
Qass. 
Book. 




^ 



-^^^^^ 



HN F, FA RNS WORTH 



7y^ 



OF THE 



ILLIMOIS VOLUNTEERS, 



DURING THE GREAT REBEI.LIOS 



BY 



A^BNKK HA^Iii:), M. 13., 



SUJiGJiOy OF TUt: MEGIMEJSIT DVRING ITS TEEM OF UlLllVlCE 
. AND BREVET LIRVT. VOL. U. S. V. 



18G8. 



t 






DEDICATION. 

TO THE 

OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS 

OF THK 

EIGHTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, 

THIS VOLUME IB 
Hespectfullj^ Dedicated 
BY THE AUTHOR. 



:p:E^Eiif''j^OE. 



(Jf the two hundred regiments of brave and loyal troops 
that Illinois sent out to battle for the right, in the war of 
the great rebellion, none had a more brilliant career, or shed, 
a brif^hter light upon the State or the Nation, than the 
ErtiHTii Illinois Cavalry. 

From the time when it was first set down upon the "sacred 
soil of Virginia," sole representative in the great Army of 
the East, of the State of Illinois, down to the day when, 
the threat struggle over, it chased to their lair the assassins 
of our martyred President, or scattered the Bushwhackers 
in the mountains of Virginia, its name and fame was ever 
prominently before the country. Xo Regiment was more 
peculiarly a pride and a power among the lovers and defend- 
ers of the Union — none more emphatically a terror to its 
rebel foes. 

Yet, of the brave deeds of the gallant boys of this Regi- 
ment, of their varied experiences — joyful or painful, of their 
hardships and trials, of their toilsome marches and thei)- 
cay campaignings, of their martyred dead and their honored 
livinf, no connected published record had been made 
Without which it must soon have passed into oblivion, or 
have lived only in the uncertain recollections ot the par- 
ticipants in those stirring scenes. To rescue its memory 
from an undeserved oblivion, the author has, at the earnest 
request of a large number of the members of the Regiment, 
prepared as full, complete and reliable a history as the 
means in his possession would admit. Having kept a diary 
of the events during the war, and having been assisted by 
many of the officers and men, who have given him access to 
their private memorandums, he trusts he has succeeded in 
writing a book acceptable to the veterans whose deeds he 
has attempted to record. He has followed it from its first 
t'athering at St. Charles, to Alexandria, Rappahannock, 
Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Coal Harbor, 
Hanover, Gaines' Mills, Dispatch Station, White Oak Swamp, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Malvern Hill, Manassas, Pooleville, Barnesville, Middletown, 
Martinsburg, South Mountain, Boonesboro, Antietam, Bar- 
bee's Cross Hoads, Amisville, Little Washington, Chancel- 
lorsville, Culpepper, Brandy Station, Hazel Kun, Freder- 
icksburg, the Rapidan, Beverly Ford, Upperville, Gettys- 
burg, Madison, Monococy Junction, Urbana, Cockeyville, 
etc., etc., and has endeavored to give a fair ond faithful 
account of all its adventures and experiences. The work 
has been reviewed, and read to a number of the Regiment, 
and they speak of it as an interesting and reliable history. 
Though well aware of the imperfections that must neces- 
sarily exist in a work of this kind, where a regiment served 
in detachments in many parts of the army, he trusts he has 
written a history acceptable to the members of the regiment. 
He acknowledges himself under obligations to General J. F. 
Farnsworth, General J. L. Beveridge, Ex-Governor John 
Wood and many others for their encouragement and aid ; 
and to Dr. T. W. Stull, Dr. S. K. Crawford, Rev. W. A. 
Spencer, Major C G. Teeple, Lieutenant A. V. Teeple, 
Captain J. A. Kinley, Major J. M. Southworth, Captain J. 
W. DeLaney, Lieutenant A. W. Chase, Major F. Clenden- 
nin. Captain B. L. Chamberlain, Lieutenant J. J. Gosper, 
Captain Joseph Clapp, Sergeant F. E. Hubbard, Sergeant 
A. P. Thorns, Lieutenant Truman Culver and others, for 
access to their private memorandums and contributions to 
the work. If the members of the regiment find that many 
incidents are omitted that should have been recorded, the 
author's only excuse is, he was not furnished with the proper 
information. If, in writing this book, he has met the wishes, 
approval and expectations of his comrades, his labors have 
been amply rewarded. 

THE AUTHOR. 



COIsTTEI^rTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Organization of the Regiment— Camp Kane— Flag Presentation— Buretiug a Cannon - 
Muster into the United States Service— Closing Liquor Shops — Off for Washington 

— Through Maryland — "FarnBWorth's Jiig Abolition Regiment" In Camp nt 

ileridinn Hill. 33 

CHAPTER II. 

Situation of the Armiee— -Battle of Ball's Bluff— Death of Colonel Baker— Grand Re- 
view — Arrival of Bishop Simpson — Sword presentation to Colonel Farnsworth— For- 
mation of the First Brigade— A stray shot— -Those oysters— -The Dutch sentinel- 
March into Virginia — Irish Brigade — Shooting a Deserter— -Balloons in the army- — 
The Battle they didn't fight — The way the pistols were exchanged— -A reconnois- 
ance, as described by our Chaplain— -IIow we obtained a Hospital— -A Seceeh lady's 
insolence. 44 

CHAPTER III. 

Camp Sufl'ering— Rebel citizens obliged to vcork under the Flag— General Montgomery 
— Eighty-Eighth Pennsylvania— Arrest of a parson in Church — ^\'irginia Chronicle — 
Burning of a Citizens' Printing Oflicu — Presentation of a Caue to Mayor McKenzie — 
Flag Presentation by Ladies of Alexandria— Arrival of Generai Sumner — Hutchinson 
Famly Concert — Alexandria — Christ's Church — Washington's Pew — Old Cemetert 
—Slave Pen. Cs 

CHAPTER lY. 

Marching Orders— Advance of the Grand Army— Difficulties of Marching- -Rebel Re- 
treat— -Wooden Cannon — Plains of Manassas— The Colonel's Joke— -Disposal of the 
sick— -Reconnoisance in force— -First Fight at Rappahannock Station — Men cap- 
tured— -A Surgeon hides in Bed— -The Fourth New York Cavalry's Rebel Brigade-- 
Exploded shell— -A Shell story- — Lieutenant Hotop's adventure, and capture by the 
Fourth New York Cavalry — A stormy night- -Return to Alexandria— -Colonel Viele 
and his conduct. 8H 

CHAPTER \. 

Embarking for the Peninsula— Landing at Shipping Point— -Siege of Yorktowu- -The 
Rebels Evacuate— -Our Pursuit— Cause of Retreat — A Battle Scene— Battle of Will- 
iamsburg — Capture of Lieutenant Chamberlain and others — An Affecting Scene— - 
Construction of a Bridge over Black Creek — First Battle of Mechanicsville— Destroy- 
ing Meadow's Bridge- — In sight of Richmond The Eighth under General Stoni-- 

man— -Battle of Hanover Court House — A Picket in the Dark— -A Dinner Party- 
Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks— Flag of Truce — Stuart'i Raid around the Army 
of the Potomac. 1U5 

CHAPTER YI. 

Second Battle of Mechanicsville, and first of the seven Days' Fight— Death of Captain 
Hooker— Ex-Governor Wood a Volunlecr--Battle of Gaines' Mill— Destruction of the 
Stores at Dispatch Station— Retreat from Savage Station— White Oak Swamp— Nighi 
march to James River— Arrival at Haxal's Landing— Leading the way to Harrison's 
Bar — Battle of Malvern Hill— Burning Army Wagons— Reconnoisance of Captain 
Sonthworth— Second Battle of Malvern Hill— Sergeant Kinly in a critical sltuaiion- 
Capturing Carter's Horses— Evacuation of Harrison's Landing— March to Yorktowu 
— Embarkation— Arrival at Alexandria. 138 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

CHAPTER YII. 

A view of the situation— Advance into Maryland— Battle of Poolville— Capturing the 
Ninth Virginia colors — Battle of Barnsville— Capturing of Sugar Loaf Mountain- 
Battle of Frederick, Maryland— Battle of Middletowu— Battle of South Mountain- 
Battle of Boonsboro— Battle of Antietam — A day's delay— Artillery duel — First recon" 
noisance to Shepherdstown— Second reconnoisance to Shepherdstown— Battle of 
Martinsbnrg — The rebels' opinion of the^Eighth Illinois Cavalry. IRS 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Grand Review by President Lincoln — Bribing a sentinel-Stuart's second raid around 
the Potomac Army — Harper's Ferry — Advance into Virginia— Battle of Philamont — 
Battle of Barber's Cross-Roads- Capture of the hospital at Markham's Station — An 
Irish woman's generosity— Battle of Little Washington — Battle of AmiBville--Captur- 
ing General Wade Hampton's dinner— Farns worth promoted to a Brigadier-General— 
Battle of Fredericksburg. 1% 

CHAPTER IX. 

Going into winter quarters — On picket duty — "Capturing" a mule — Army " stuck in 
the mud" — A snow storm — Grand review of the Cavalry — Hope Landing— Generals 
Stoneman and Pleasanton— Stoneman's raid- General Hooker's advance— Battle of 
Chancellorsville — General Pleasanton saves the army — Shelling our camp — The Army 
of the Potomac re-cross the Rappahannock — The phrophetic frogs — Digging riile pit« 
— Great raid on the "Northern Neck" — Battle of 'Beverly Ford^ 2?i0 

CHAPTER X. 

Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign — Battle of / Idie-^Battle of Upperville— The 
march continued — General Hooker relieved — General Mead in command of the army 
—Skirmish at Fairfield— The cavalry enter Gettysburg— Battle of Gettysburg — Death 
of General E. J. Farnsworth — Hanging a spy — Battle of Williamsport — Death of 
Major Medill — Fighting near Boonsboro — Battle of Funkstown — Battle of Falling 
'Wliler^^^arch to Berlin — Into Virginia again — Fight at Chester Gap — Battle of 
Brandy Station — Another fight near Brandy Station— Battle of Culpepper— Taking Pony 
Mountain— Battle of Raccoon Ford-jrThe Kemper Brothers — Battle of Jack's Shop. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Army forced back upon Manassas- Battle of Stevensburg— Fight at Brentsville— 
Resignation of Major Beveridge— Battle of Hazel River — Culpepper and the Line of 
the Rapidan — Battle of Mine Run — Death of General Buford — Resolutions of Res- 
pect — General Merrit's Order — Cold Weather — To Warrenton and Return — The 
Eighth Illinois Veteranize — Return Home— Recept'on in Chicago — Camp at St. Charles / 
—The Ranks filled up — Return to Washington — Giesboro Point — Camp Relief— The 
Detachments — The Situation — Early's Invasion — Battle of Monocacy— Baltimore and 
Cockeysville — Battle in Defense of Washington. 276 

CHAPTER XII. 

General Early's Retreat— Pursuit into Virginia — Capture of Sergant Chase — Return to 
Washington— Mosby attacks Company E, and captures twelve men— Scouting in 
Virginia — Mustering out three years' men — Their History— Reconnoisance in force 
—Fight at Upperville— Fn'st Separate Brigade— Fairfax Court House— More Scout- 
ing—Surrender of Richmond— Assassination of President Lincoln— Bull Run Mon- 
uments—The Regiment ordered to Missouri — Sinking of the Steamer Olive — Order 
for Mustering out — Organization of the Eighth Illinois Veteran Association — The 
Constitution— Reception in Chicago— Regimental Roster. 304 

CHAPTER XIII. 

On Captures— Lieutenant George Gamble's Capture and Experience— Captain John W. 
DeLancy'g Capture and Experience — William H. Leckey's Capture and Experience — 
Corporal William Y. Heather's Capture and Experience— Lieutenant B. L. Chamber- 
lain B Capture and Experience. 343 



A few "Words of Explanation to the Reader. 



In coneeqiieuce of an occasional typograpliical error, ihe omission ol'bomc leltcrs or 
words or the too frequent use of siuall words, and the insertion now and then of a 
superfluous letter, &c., &c., the appearance of the work is eomewhat impaired. That 
[ mny not be unjustly censured for carelessness, or want of interest, I have thought 
best to offer the following apology or explanation. 

The work has been written during the spare moments at my command, while en- 
caged in fultlling the duties which necessarily devolre upon one who is practicing 
medicine and surgery. I have frequently attempted to write, have taken a few- 
moments to collect my thoughts, and have, perhaps, written half a dozen lines and 
then been called away, without being able to write another line for several days, and 
in 6ome instances even months have intervened before I could resume my work. In 
this manner, and amid the cares and responsibilities which devolve upon a physician, 
this book has been written. 

1 know the spirit and temper of the men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry so well, 1 feel 
assured they will forgive any error.* that I may have committed. But for the typo- 
l^raphical errors I do not feel respon«ible. Being nnacquainted with the printing 
or publishing business, I let the contract to have the work printed and Ijound, and 
consequently have not rp.ad or corrected the proof. In reading it over I now find 
numerous typographical errors. Most of them the reader will at once discover and 
will not be mislead in regard to the meaning. There are a number, however, which 
might lead to a misunderstanding of the sense, which I will proceed to point out. 

Page S6, Sixth line from the bottom, for twelve htiudred read fifteen thousand. 

Page 00, Fifteenth line from the bottom, for John Rogers read John Kyan. 

Page 115, Eighth line from the bottom, for K. K. Smith read A. K. Smith. 

Page IIU, Fourteenth line from the bottom, for famous home read former homo. 

Page 137, First line, for was known, read was not known. 

Page ITO, Fourteenth line from the bottom, for Corporal I'loffer read Corporal Plop- 

per, and twelfth line from the bottom, for C4eorge Bower read George 

Bowes. 
Page 181, Fourth line, for patrolled camp read paroled camp. 
Page 187, Eighteenth line, for September 16th read September 8th. 
Page 200, Eleventh liue, for HaxalPs Ferry read Harper's Ferry. 
I'age 214, Last line, for Charles Brwaer read Charles Brauer. 
I'age 221, Third line from the bottom, for New Jersey read New York. 
Page 224, Seventh line, for Virginia side read Virginia soil. 
Page 243, Kead the ninth line before the eighth- 
Page 258, Last liue. for enemy read cemetery. 
Page 285, Twentieth line, for another the read another retreat. 
Page 307, Fifth line, for could, read would. 
Page 312, Sixth line from the bottom, for distance of Jiuddy Branch, read distance 

from Muddy Branch. 
Pago 321, Ninth line, for profund read profound. 

One brilliant affair has by some means been omitted, probably the manuscript has 
been lost or mislaid, I refer to the dash upon Ashland, Virginia, by the regiment in 
June, 1862, while guarding the lines of the Chickahominy. In that engagement they 
captured five or six prisoners, sixteen horses, one four-horse team, wagon and driver, 
which had just come from Richmond loaded with stores, and a large amount of other 
property, besides destroying the railroad. They then returned safely to camp. While 
returning they met the Fifth United States Cavalry which was to co-operate with us. 
They were greatly disappointed at our baring done the business so early and success- 
fully without their assistance 



CHAPTER I. 

Orgaiiiz.tion of the Regiment-Camp Kane-Flag Presentation-Bureting a Cannon - 
Muster into the United States Service-Closing Liquor Shops— Off for Wa.hin-ton 
MerTdfrmil^^'^^''"*^'""''^'''''''''''''*^'" ^'^ Abolition Regiment "--In Camp at 

When the defeat of the Union arms at the battle of Bull 
Run had demonstrated the fact that the rebellion was more 
stupendous than had at first been supposed, and the three 
months' men, whose time was about expiring, had many of 
them already gone home, the country was aroused to the 
necessity of renewed exertions, and all loyal hearts felt the 
need of the immediate and thorough organization of an 
army of greater magnitude. The Hon. John F. Farnsworth 
at once repaired to Washington and obtained permission of 
the President to raise and equip a cavalry regiment of twelve 
hundred men for three years' service. 

As yet few could see the necessity of cavalry. The 
officers in command of the United States forces were 
educated to other branches of the service, and looked with 
distrust on this all important part of the army. But Mr. 
Farnsworth had the ability to foresee that this would be, so 
far as the enemy were concerned, to a great extent a guerrilla 
warfare. They already had a large cavalry force in the 
field, made up of the best of their material. Their troopers 
were required to furnish their own horses and equipments, 
consequently none but men of means could enter that arm of 
the service, and under the lead of Generals Stuart, Ashby and 
others, they were already harrassing our army, dashing into 
peaceful towns and hamlets, plundering and carrying off 
conscripts ; and we were unprepared to repel these invasions. 
Ko sooner was Colonel Farnsworth authorized to organize 
this regiment, than the young men in this part of the State 
6 



34 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

sprang to arms as if by magic. Headquarters were an- 
nounced to be at Camp Kane, St. Charles, Illinois, the home 
of Colonel Farnsworth, and applications came from all 
quarters for permission to raise companies, a few of which 
only could be granted, and Colonel F. was heard to say, "If 
I had authority to raise a brigade I could do it in a month." 

By the first day of September, 18G1, a part of the regi- 
ment were at the rendezvous. Having been appointed sur- 
geon of the regiment, I repaired to St. Charles on the second 
day of September and found Company B, Captain Whitney, 
in quarters at the Howard House. Recruits for the regi- 
ment came from all parts of this Congressional District, and 
even some from Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. They came 
to camp so rapidly that it was difficult to find shelter for 
them. The tents, camp and garrison equipage not having 
arrived, they were quartered in vacant houses in St. Charles. 
Soon, however, these necessary articles were obtained, and 
on the 2d of October there was a grand gathering of the 
friends of the regiment ; speeches were made by a number of 
officers and others, all of a patriotic nature and well calcu- 
lated to inspire the troops with courage. The contract for 
supplying the regiment with rations was let to J. S. Yan 
Patten, of St. Charles, at the very low price of sixteen cents 
per ration, and was fulfilled by him to the entire satisfaction 
of the government and the regiment. It is believed that no 
regiment of Illinois volunteers were supplied with as little 
expense to the government as was the Eighth Illinois Cav- 
alry. Thanks to the economical management of Colonel 
Farnsworth. 

During our stay in St Charles the ladies were untiring in 
their attention to the wants of tlie soldiers, some of whom 
were already sick from exposure in camp and change of hab- 
itation. They not only supplied their present wants, but 
provided a large box of bandages and old linen to be taken 
to the field, for use in the hospital or for the time of battle ; 
and what use was made of these inestimable hospital stores 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 35 

you will be informed before we conclude our narrative. As 
another token of their regard for the brave men who were 
about to risk their lives in defence of that country they loved 
so well, they prepared a splendid silk flag which they pre- 
sented to the regiment on this never-to-be-forgotten day. 
After a few appropriate remarks they proceeded to place it 
upon the flagstaff it was designed to grace. All eyes were 
at this moment gazing intently upon the scene, each individ- 
ual seemingly anxious to catch the first gleam of brightness 
reflected from the beautiful banner when it was unfurled in 
the sunshine. Suddenly the wind caught it, but instead of 
floating gracefully in the air, as expected, it was rent almost 
in twain. Some of the more superstitious looked upon this 
as an evil omen ; but the speakers seemed to be prepared to 
see in it a sign that this government w^as to be torn nearly 
asunder and that this regiment was destined to do its part 
in uniting it. Another instance worth noticing was the 
bursting of the iron cannon, which was discharged on this 
occasi(»n. Some of the pieces were thrown from ten to fif- 
teen rods without injuring any one, although thousands were 
crowded around within a space of a few rods. If the torn 
banner was an omen of evil, this was a token of Providential 
favor in behalf of the regiment. 

After a happy meeting and a sad parting of friends, parents 
and sons, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, camp 
discipline was again established, and we were found drilling, 
studying army regulations, and thus learning the art of war. 
Few had any knowledge of military tactics. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Gamble had served several years in the regular 
army ; Captain Conklin had been in the Mexican war ; Lieu- 
tenant Hotopp had learned tactics in Germany, and some 
others were not novices in the use of arms, and among them 
drill-masters were found to answer our purpose. But if we 
were lacking in military discipline and experience, we were 
not wanting in what makes up an army of veterans on whom 
"Uncle Sam" could rely in the hour of danger. There 



3G THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

were among us, men of all callings and vocations ; men who 
could perform almost any labor that occasion might require ; 
could build railroads, run engines, publish newspapers, man- 
age flour and saw mills, build carriages or repair almost any 
kind of machinery; and in the course of the war these 
various accomplishments found opportunity for usefulness. 
Neither were the fine arts and professions without their rep- 
resentatives. Our Colonel was a lawyer and statesman, 
having served as Congressman two terms, while others among 
the ofl&cers and men were either lawyers, doctors or preachers. 
The press, too, was well represented. On the 18th of Sep- 
tember, 1861, the regiment was mustered into the United 
States service by Captain Webb, of the regular army. For 
the benefit of the uninitiated, we will give a brief description 
of this all important part of military life. The mustering 
officer and surgeon took their positions a few feet apart, and, 
as the names were called, the men were required to pass 
between them. If any defect was noticed, they were stopped 
and examined, and if sufficient cause presented itself, re- 
jected. This was the only examination the recruits were 
required to pass. Had examinations been made in con- 
formity with the army regulations, much sufi'ering would 
have been avoided and the government saved a large expense. 
But patriotism ruled the hour. Nearly all were ignorant of 
military matters, and although some were mustered in who 
were physically unfit for the field, as a whole, no regiment 
in the "war for the Union," was made up of a better class of 
men, mentally, morally or physically, than the Eighth Illi- 
nois Cavalry Volunteers. 

As an example of the chivalric spirit that pervaded the 
camp, I will relate an instance that occurred while we were 
sojourning at Camp Kane. It soon became evident that 
some of the denizens of St. Charles, more in love with money 
than interested in the welfare of the soldiers, were in the 
habit of selling liquor to the boys, whereby they became less 
inclined to order and discipline than was for the good of the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 37 

camp, contrary to the expressed wishes of the officers and 
the good citizens of St. Charles. To remedy this evil a 
detachment of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, without orders 
from headquarters, marched down Main street and halted in 
front of the principal offending establishment, and demanded 
admission ; this being refused, they walked in through doors 
and windows, and, in less time than it takes to relate the 
story, turned the offending liquor into the street ; in doing 
this, one man had his hand severely cut by pieces of glass 
while passing through the window. This was the first sur- 
gical operation required in the regiment. The liquor dealers 
soon closed their stores and the example was salutary though 
not in accordance with civil law. 

About this lime orders were received to mount and equip 
the regiment, and soon horses began to arrive. The contract 
for purchasing them was awarded to Mix & Sanger, of 
Joliet, Illinois ; and no regiment of cavalry entered the 
field better mounted than this. The price paid by the gov- 
ernment was one hundred and ten dollars each. The contract 
lor furnishing forage was taken by Harmon Paine, of Syca- 
more at fourteen cents per ration. A few days before the regi- 
ment left for the seat of war the horses were sent to Wash- 
ington in two detachments ; the first in command of Major 
Clendennin and the second in charge of Major Beveridge. 
There was loud cheering and shouts of joy as the horses were 
brought out in line ready for the march to Chicago, where 
they were to be taken by railroad to Washington, and the 
boys began to realize that camp amusements were now to be 
exchanged for actual labor. 

Without waiting for arms, on the 14th day of October, the 
regiment marched to Geneva and took the cars for the seat 
of war. When the order was announced, considerable ex- 
citement was evinced by the soldiers, but in due time we 
were on our way all in good order. In going from the camp 
it became necessary for us to pass the residence of our 
gallant Colonel Farnsworth, and when opposite the house the 



38 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

regiment, with one accord, halted and gave "three rousing 
cheers," and then proceeded on its march to Geneva, at which 
place it arrived without any incident worthy of notice. 
This was a day long to be remembered. Many were, in all 
probability, leaving their homes never to return ; many were 
looking upon the forms of loved ones for the last time. On 
one end of the long platform we behold an aged man taking 
leave of his son, while by his side stands the companion of 
his life, his hand held in that of his darling boy, who is now 
about to leave the dear home of his childhood to help pre- 
serve that liberty his grandsire fought to obtain ; and though 
he tries to be brave, a tear glistens in his eye and a sigh 
heaves his noble breast as he says good-bye to those dear 
parents whom he is about to leave, perhaps forever. On the 
other hand we see a manly brother taking leave of an only 
sister, who, although her heart is almost breaking at the 
thought of parting, says, "go, my dear brother, and nobly 
do your part, and may the holy angels guard you from 
danger." A little apart from the crowd we see another 
group, — a stalwart man is breathing his last adieu to his 
wife and child. The bell rings — the signal for starting — 
and choking down a convulsive sob he clasps his wife in one 
last fond embrace, presses his darling child to his breast, 
and with a kiss for both, he hurries aboard the train just as 
it is moving off. 

The last good-bye has been spoken and we are on our way. 
Only those who have passed through similar scenes can 
form an adequate idea of the feelings of the troopers, and 
the friends and relations who had assembled to bid them 
farewell, and commend them to the care of that Providence 
who holds in his hands their lives and the destinies of the 
nation. Tears flowed like rain, yet the soldiers maintained a 
noble bearing and moved off with banners flying, amid deaf- 
ening rounds of huzzas. We would like to follow the 
disconsolate friends to their several homes, but it is our pur- 
pose to follow the regiment that had just entered upon a new 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 89 

life. It had entered the breach and it was no time to look 
back. 

At Turner's Junction a train of cars arrived bringing 
troops from Utah and the Plains, in charge of Colonel 
Philip St. George Cook, Major Pleasanton and Captain 
Buford ; the last two, afterwards illustrious Major-Generals, 
loved and honored alike by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
the whole army. But little delay occurred in Chicago, and 
than night we took the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago 
Rail Road en route for Washington. Through every city 
and village which we passed, it seemed as though the citizens 
were informed of our approach, and came out in crowds to 
greet us with shouts and cheers, displaying banners and 
waving handkerchiefs ; and in not a few instances the fair 
ones threw kisses at the boys or showered them with boquets. 
This was cheering and tended to keep up the spirits of all. 
There was a great deal said during the war about " stay-at- 
home cowards," but I presume they thought it their duty to 
remain that those who enlisted might have some one to 
"huzza" for them ; and they surely fulfilled this mission. 

At Crestline, James Maclin, of Company B, had his great 
toe crushed by the cars, which required amputation. Here 
we heard from our horses ; they had passed about twenty- 
four hours before and were reported safe. The regiment 
was carried by different trains. No serious accident befel 
any part of the regiment on its way to Washington. At 
Pittsburg we were hospitably received by a committee of 
the city Soldiers Aid Society. Our sick, of whom there 
were but few, were taken to comfortable quarters, and the 
regiment marched to a large hall where refreshments were 
in waiting. The men and women of the city seemed to vie 
with each other in their attentions ; after partaking of the 
collation provided with thoughtful care, we were greatly "re- 
freshed, and soon took the cars on the Pennsylvania Central 
Railroad. Such care and attention to the wants of the 
soldiers, were not lost or thrown away. Many a time have I 



40 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

heard "the boys" speak ia the highest terms of the Smoky 
City of Pittsburg and its noble hospitality. 

In passing over the summit of the Alleghany Mountains, 
near the great tunnel, the train in which the regimental staff 
was traveling, ran off the track, which caused several hours 
delay ; fortunately all escaped without injury. Our special 
trains went much slower than the express, so slow that fre- 
quently the men would jump to the ground, run along the 
road and gather chestnuts, and get on again while the cars 
were in motion and going at their usual speed. 

Through Pennsvlvania the demonstrations were less, which 
we attributed to the fact that so many troops were passing 
they could not greet them all. Having passed Harrisburg 
and York, we came into Maryland — a slave state — where? 
very soon, a change could be observed. At every bridge a 
picket of soldiers were stationed to guard the road, which 
had already been interfered with by the rebels ; and this waS 
the first we saw which betokened really a state of war. 
Heretofore, with us, all had been preparatory — now we began 
to realize that we were approaching the enemy's camp. 
Occasionally at a farm house or railroad station, the stars 
and stripes were waved as we passed ; but, as a general 
thing, the people remained in sullen silence or frowned upon 
us, showing clearly that the presence of the military alone 
kept them from open assault. A part of the regiment ar- 
rived at Baltimore during the day, and the remainder at 
night. Here we found the soldiers on patrol duty, and Fort 
McHenry with its heavy guns pointing their saucy muzzles 
right at the city, which spoke in terms too plain to be mis- 
understood, that otherwise violence would reign supreme. 
We marched up the street, which, on the 19th of April, 1861, 
six months before, the blood of Massachusetts' noble sons 
had crimsoned ; and our men looked as though they only 
courted an opportunity to avenge that brutal and dastardly 
outrage. Here, too, but little more than seven months before, 
our President had to pass in disguise to avoid being assassin^ 




BREVET BRIG GIU^. 



JOHN L. BEVERIDGE 

E VA N STON 
SHERIFF OF CHICAGO. 

1 lli,-j!;..I.nl,...4,,,i,J„„-l,.(l,Mv,j„ 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 41 

ated. These considerations and reflections made some im- 
pression on our men. But now order was restored ; the city 
filled with troops, and the rebels, though numerous, dare not 
ofl'er open opposition. On arriving at the depot we were 
furnished with very uncomfortable box or freight cars, into 
which we were stowed more like cattle than men. But this 
was unavoidable, from the fact that the road was taxed to 
its utmost capacity to transport troops and stores necessary 
for the rapidly increasing army at the capitol ; and this was 
the only railroad leading into Washington from any direc- 
tion. However, we had but forty miles to travel in this man- 
ner, and although our progress was slower than at any 
period of our journey, we did not suffer much inconvenience. 
A few miles from Washington the train moved so slowly 
that many took occasion to leave the cars and visit the 
studio of Clark Mills, where was being prepared the bronze 
statute of Liberty, which was intended to surmount the 
dome of the capitol when once completed, but which, in the 
the present unsettled state of the country, seemed far in the 
future. 

We reached Washington early on the morning of the 18th 
of October. On approaching the city, the country for several 
miles around seemed to be almost covered with camps. Sol- 
diers drilling, drums beating and banners flying, were to be 
seen and heard in every direction. Near the depot were 
some wooden buildings or barracks called the Soldiers' Rest, 
where refreshments were furnished the troops as they arrived. 
A slice of bread, some pork and coflfee, were all that was 
furnished ; but this was better than nothing for hungry men. 
Here an agent of a Soldiers' Aid Society met us and in- 
formed us that rooms near by were ready for the sick, where 
they might remain a few days until we were prepared to take 
care of them. This was truly a God-send, for, ignorant as 
we were of military service, and particularly so in regard 
to any preparation for our sick, I confess I was greatly 
worried and at a loss to know what to do on our arrival* 
6 



42 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

The number to be provided for ^vas ci^lit or ten only ; some 
of these already very sick and needing the best of care. My 
heart beat considerably lighter when these had been well 
cared for. By the time the sick were disposed of, the regi- 
ment had fallen into line and were marching up Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue. On arriving in front of the President's man- 
sion, known as the "White House," President Lincoln came 
out upon the piazza, when the regiment gave him three 
hearty cheers ; and it is on this occasion, it is said, the Presi- 
dent called us "Farnsworth's Big Abolition Regiment." 
After passing the White House it seems some of the officers 
mistook the direction or nearest road to our future camp, for 
which reason we marched several miles before reaching the 
place, on Meridian Hill, where we were to pitch our tents. 
There had been recent rains which left the ground wet, 
though the day was very warm and sultry, equal to a July 
day in northern Illinois, and by the time we reached camp 
the men were nearly exhausted. W^e were now on Meridian 
Hill, about two miles north of the President's house, and the 
men went to work at once preparing supper, (for they had 
had no dinner,) unpacking their things, and pitching their 
tents; and it was far into the "wee sma' hours o' night," 
before the camp was still and the weary soldiers could find 
repose. 

General Stoneman sent a young staff officer (Lieutenant 
Sumner,) "to put us into camp," that is, to direct where we 
should locate our camp. Our men, being fresh from their 
homes, and unacquainted Avith military etiquette, did not 
salute him in military style nor pay any especial attention to 
him. In fact I believe they did not even follow what they 
supposed to be his suggestions, but what was really termed 
military orders; upon which he became very wrathy, and 
reported us to the General as "an organized rabble." How- 
ever, Lieutenant Sumner and General Stoneman thought 
better of us upon further acquaintance, for these " raw re- 
cruits " were the very men on whom they were glad to rely 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 43 

in the hours of battle and danger. Like most, if not all 
other volunteers, the Eighth were inspired by patriotism 
and ready for duty ; but so totally ignorant o*^ the require- 
ments of their present mode of life, that in order to do their 
duty well, they overdid it in many respects ; at least twice 
the number of men were put on camp guard as were 
necessary. Their recent journey, severe labor and change 
of living, tended to create sickness which rapidly filled our 
hospital tents. We had now been in camp long enough to 
have daily drill, preaching regularly on the Sabbath and 
evening prayer meetings in many of the officers tents. The 
weather becoming sufficiently cool to require fires, especially 
for the sick, we made requisition on the Quartermaster's 
department for stoves, but learned that they were not allowed 
in the field ; but something must be done. Having visited 
some camps across the Potomac, on the Virginia side, we 
had observed a novel method of warming their tents, and 
determined at once to follow their example. A hole about 
two feet square and one foot deep, was dug in the ground in 
the center of the hospital, from which a trench about one 
foot broad and six inches deep was dug to the outside of the 
tent, where a barrel, with both heads knocked out, was 
placed for a chimney. The trench was covered with boards 
and dirt, and near the center hole with a stone. A fire was 
now built in the center hole, the smoke made its way through 
the trench and out of the barrel, and this was found suffi- 
cient to make the hospital quite comfortable, when the wind 
did not blow in the wrong direction. This device was soon 
imitated by the officers and men, which added much to their 
comfort. 

We had, at this time, only a sufficient number of carbines 
for camp guard, and were anxiously awaiting our full equip- 
ments, drilling and preparing for future action and service. 
All kinds of rumors reached camp daily of skirmishes and 
battles ; mostly, however, of battles in anticipation, and we 
soon learned to place little reliance in them. 



CHAPTER II. 

situation of the Armies — Battle of Ball's Bluff— Death of Colonel Baker— Grand Re. 
view— Arrival of Bishop Simpson— Sword pre»entation to Colonel Farnsworth— For- 
mation of the First Brigade— A stray shot — Those oysters — The Dutch sentinel—' 
March into Virginia — 1 ish Brigade — Shooting a Deserter — Balloons in the army-— 
The Battle they did'nt fight— -The way the pislols were exchanged — A reconnois- 
ance, as described by our Chapla.n — How we obtained a Hospital — A Secesh lady's 
insolence. 

Let us now look at the situation of our forces about 
Washington. Since the defeat of the Union army at the 
battle of Bull Rnn, in July, the rebels had established a 
strong picket line but a few miles from Washington on the 
Virginia side of the Potomac, so that but a small area of 
ground on that side of the river remained to us. Their 
forces reached the Potomac some twelve or jBfteen miles 
above Washington, and about the same distance below ; our 
army holding a semi-circular strip of land opposite the city, 
including Alexandria. In and about Washington was being 
concentrated the largest and best drilled army ever organ- 
ized on this continent, under command of General McClellan. 
Camps were clustering on every hillside, and occupied the 
valleys as far as the eye could reach, and drills and reviews 
were to be seen any day. At the grand review of the army 
at Bailey,s Cross-roads and Munson's Hill, it is estimated 
that seventy-five thousand troops were on the field under 
review. At this time the lower Potomac was blockaded by 
rebel batteries ; The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was in the 
hands of the enemy a few miles above Washington ; and as 
all the supplies for this immense army, with the exception of 
an occasional boat running the blockade, had to be brought 
over one railroad, (thej Baltimore & Ohio,) we had no doubt 
but an immediate advance would be made upon the rebel 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 45 

lines. The basement of the capitol itself had been turned 
into an immense government bakery, and from twenty-five 
to fifty cords of bread could be seen piled up almost any day. 
Long army wagon trains were constantly passing along the 
principal streets, and I distinctly recollect waiting three- 
quarters of an hour for a train to pass that I might cross 
Pennsylvania Avenue. These army wagons are of huge 
dimensions, capable of carrying from two to four tons, and 
usually drawn by four horses or six or eight mules, the 
driver riding the hindermost and guiding the others by a 
single rein. To us this was a novel way of transportation, 
cumbrous and slow ; but when we came to try the field, the 
corduroy-roads and bridges, we found something stronger 
than our northern farm wagons necessary, and familiarity 
with such conveyance made it quite endurable. 

On the 21st of October the battle of Ball's Bluff occurred, 
where Colonel Baker fell mortally wounded. The cannon- 
ading, and even the musketry, could be plainly heard from 
our camp ; but both artillery and musketry practice were so 
common, that we did not know until the next day that a 
battle had taken place. Why so many thousand soldiers 
should remain within hearing of this battle, and not be sent 
to the relief of the little band of patriots who were so sadly 
defeated and slain, we, in our ignorance, were unable to 
determine. Colonel Baker's remains were brought to the 
city, and a grand military procession followed them to the 
grave. It seemed to me that there were troops enough at 
this funeral to have defeated the entire army opposing us. 
This was the first military funeral which we witnessed, but 
alas ! not the last ; it was but the beginning of sorrow, as 
thousands of soldiers' graves in and around Washington 
clearly show. 

One grand review of about ten thousand troops took place 
near our camp, just before the departure of Generals Halleck 
and Buell for their commands in the west ; and they were 
present, accompanied by General McClellan. These reviews 



46 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

and preparations, we thought betokened an immediate ad- 
vance, and our men "were eager and anxious to drive the 
enemy from in front of Washington before the winter set in, 
but day after day passed with about the same round of 
duties. Drills, roll-calls, fatigue duty, (such as policing the 
camp, grooming, watering and feeding the horses, cleaning 
arms and attending the sick,) were becoming irksome. It 
now became evident that a great mistake had been made in 
not having the men properly examined upon enlistment. 
Sickness was on the increase, and many were found either too 
old or otherwise physically unfit for the field, and we com- 
menced the worK of discharging such, under the direction of 
the Surgeon and ]V[edical Director Tripler. It was found, 
too, that small-pox was making its ravages among the troops 
about Washington, and we at once determined to vaccinate 
the entire regiment. Beginning with the Colonel, — none 
were to be exempt. A few objected and even determined 
to resist the operation ; one man, in particular, declared he 
"would die first," but the presence of a rope with which he 
was about to be tied, brought him to his senses, and he 
yielded to the necessity. In consequence of this precaution, 
while the disease prevailed in the camps on all sides of us, 
we were exempt. 

On Sunday, November 24th, if any of our friends at home 
could have looked in upon us, they would have seen us very 
busy at work, "cleaning house," preparatory to receiving a 
visit from Bishop Simpson, of Illinois, and listening to one 
of his excellent discourses. He failed to make his appear- 
ance, however, and we had a sermon by our Chaplain, Rev. 
j\Ir. Matlack. On Monday Bishop Simpson arrived, and 
delivered an eloquent address, taking his text from a passage 
in Ephesians, "Put on the whole armor of God." In con- 
clusion in eulogizing our flag, he said: "While others took 
beasts of prey, the lion ; or birds, as the eagle of Rome ; 
we went further, and, leaving the earth and sky, took the 
stars beyond as our emblem, as though inviting angels to aid 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 47 

US in our undertaking, and invoking the blessings of high 
heaven upon our endeavors to uphold the right." After the 
sermon the soldiers all united in singing the Star Spangled 
Banner. Upon the conclusion of this ceremony another 
followed of no less interest — the presentation of a beautiful 
sword to Colonel Farnsworth by Company H. Major Bev- 
eridge presented it in behalf of the company in a well-timed 
speech, in Avhich he said ; " Company H only desires to be 
led where the labor is severest, the danger greatest, and 
among them will be found strong arms and willing hearts to 
meet it." In reply, Colonel Farnsworth remarked "that it 
Avas not customary to present military men with swords until 
they had merited them by experience in the field or prowess 
in battle. He knew he had men in his regiment, who, if he 
did not lead when the path to glory was open would push 
him forward in it ; and for his part, if by shedding his blood 
here on the Potomac, he could secure the liberty of every 
bondman in America, it should flow freely." As a closing 
performance the boys cheered heartily both the Colonel and 
Company H, and some lusty cheers were given gratuitously 
for everybody. This was an interesting day — quite an ex- 
ception to the routine duties of camp, and seemed to fill the 
men with new vigor. The day had been cold and unpleasant, 
and this diversion tended to warm the limbs as well as the 
hearts of all. It was now evident that the sick list was in- 
creasing rapidly. Exposure and imprudence on the part 
of many were inducing fevers, and some had contracted severe 
colds. November 27th, there were seven cases of well marked 
typhoid fever in our camp and hospital, and quite a num- 
ber were unable for duty, from the fact of their being kicked 
by the horses, mostly while taking them to water at Kock 
Creek, some half a mile distant. The injury was generally 
received on the leg, from four to six inches below the knee, 
frequently laying bare the bone. Many also suffering from 
chafing or excorations on the inside of the thighs and legs, 
caused by riding, required medical attention. It was found 



48 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

that astringent and soothing applications were necessary ; 
and a solution of glycerine and tannin, or glycerine and col- 
lodium, (glycerine eight parts and collodium two parts,) was 
found very useful. I mention this for the benefit of any 
who may be similarly affected. Such things as these we had 
to learn from experience. 

About this time we learned that we were brigaded with the 
First Michigan and Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, forming 
the first brigade of cavalry in the U. S. A. The grand army 
of the Potomac seemed to be in capital order, and "spoiling 
for a fight." Parades and sham fights were daily exercises. 
Occasionally a stray ball from one of the other camps would 
reach ours, causing no little commotion. One of these 
passed through our dispensing tent, a few feet above our 
heads, and struck a tree, from which we soon extracted it, 
and very carefully preserved it as a relic of life at camp. 
The duties we were now called upon to perform were appa- 
rently to so little pnrpose that we were becoming very dull, 
and any diversion was hailed with gladness. One of these 
now came in the shape of Thanksgiving, it being the 28th of 
November, 1861. We have reasons to give thanks at all 
times, but more especially when the future as now looked 
none too bright. An immense army lay about us, most of 
it as raw and inexperienced as ourselves — a haughty, and to 
some extent victorious host, lay opposed to us only a few 
miles distant, blockading the Potomac river and holding the 
"impregnable Manassas-" Our Colonel had arranged a sur- 
prise for us by way of celebrating the day, and presently 
teams came into camp bringing eighty bushels of oysters 
which were divided among the different companies ; and a 
merry Thanksgiving it proved to be. The men will long re- 
member with gratitude the noble, generous Colonel who 
provided such a feast for his soldiers at his own expense. 
It seems that some of the men, not knowing what was in store 
for them, and fearing they should have a poor dinner with 
which to observe the day, had planned to make a raid on 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVi\LliY. '49 

certain lieu-roosts and bee hives in the vicinity, where seces- 
sionists were known to reside, but more prudent counsels 
l^revailed, and we were spared the unpleasant duty of record- 
ing any act of violence or disorder. Although some would 
occasionally indulge in the use of a little too much liquor, 
the regiment, upon the whole, were as orderly as any we knew. 
One man was found sleeping upon his post upon a very cold 
night, and you can imagine there was quite a sensation 
created in eamp on that occasion ; but as there was no danger 
from the enemy, and it was the first offence, he was alloAved 
to return to duty with a severe reprimand. With such small 
excitements and duties, the time passed until December 1st, 
when we were notified that we were to report to General 
Sumner, lately arrived from California, who had just been 
assigned to a command in Virginia, in front of Alexandria. 
Colonel Farijsworth, Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble and myself, 
with a small detachment of men, started to report at the 
General's headquarters. We crossed the Potomac on Long 
Bridge, passed through the old city of Alexandria, where 
Colonel Ellsworth was murdered, and turning west on the 
turnpike, in the direction of Fairfax Court House, where 
the great Bull Run stampede had taken place the previous 
July, traveled some three miles, when, meeting soldiers and 
sentinels, the Colonel inquired for General Sumner's head- 
quarters ; but no one knew where they were. Feeling cer- 
trin that they could be no further, as we were now very near 
our picket line, we returned a short distance and rode out to 
three new Sibly tents which seemed to have been lately 
pitched. A German sentinel was pacing to and fro in front 
of them. The Colonel inquired of him, "whose tents are 
these," but he did not know. He then inquired for General 
Sumner's headquarters, but with the same result. Finally 
dismounting, we attempted to enter one of the tents, when the 
fellow seemed to think it was his duty to prevent that, and 
oifered some resistance ; but we were the conquerors, and 
upon gaining admittance found General Sumner. This illus- 
7 



50 THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

trates the ignorance and stupidity of many of the recruits. 
General Sumner appeared to be the true gentleman and sol' 
dier -which we expected to see, from his past history in the 
Kansas and Nebraska troubles, and his rescuing California 
from the grasp of the rebellion, into which it was about to 
be plunged by the aid of the General in command there. 

Arrangements were at once made to have our regiment 
brought to this place, as soon as our arms and equipments 
were received, for at this time we were only partially equipped- 
Having selected a location for our camp, we returned to pre" 
pare for future movement across the Potomac to the "sacred 
soil of Virginia." Arms were not furnished as soon as an- 
ticipatod. It was of no use for us to cross to the Virginia 
side of the river, and enter upon actual service, until we were 
fully equipped, consequently we did not move camp until 
the loth of December, during which time the men took 
occasion, whenever opportunity oiFered, to visit the many 
places of interest in and about Washington, among which 
is the National Capitol, which with the new wings (where 
are at present located the Chambers^of the two ILouses of 
Congress,) covers about five acres of ground. This building 
with its immense rooms, paintings and statuary, is an object 
of interest to every one visiting Washington. Its unfinished 
dome on which is to be placed the statue of liberty, detracts 
much from what a stranger Avould expect of such a massive 
marble building. The rotunda, whose walls are adorned 
with sculpture in has relief, and the magnificent paintings 
which have attracted the attention of many thousands of 
visitors, both foreign and native, and which are copied upon 
our national currency, is a place which once visited will 
never be forgotten. From the west front of this magnifi- 
cent building, a foreign visitor said there was a panoramic 
view worth a voyage across the Atlantic to witness. Here 
the principal part of the city of Washington lies below you, 
and consequently you have a splendid view. The broad 
Potomac, too, is spread out before you, on, 'which hundreds 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 51 

of boats, both sail and steam, are constantly plying ; George- 
town is in plain sight, the heights of which are renowned in T 
history. Alexandria can also be seen, and across the river ^ 
directly west, and only about three miles distant is Arlington, '■* 
formerly the home of (*ee*gd~"W^8hiii!g%#n~€)HTtt8, and late 
the residence of General Kobert E. Lee, at that time com- >•'• 
manding some of the rebel armies. The Navy Yard, Patent --> 
Office, Post Office, Treasury Building, Insane Asylum, ^y 
Arsenal, Botanic Gardens, Smithsonian Institute, Armory, 
National Observatory and President's Mansion are all to be 
seen from the Capitol. All of these public places are objects 
of national pride and interest, and the members of the Eighth ^ 
Jllinois Cavalry improved their time in becoming acquainted .^ 
with them and the workings of each, which added greatly to j^ 
their stock of knowledge, and furnished information which ^»^^ 
comparatively few Western troops had an opportunity of 
acquiring. If the dull routine of camp was tiresome, these 
advantages, in a measure, compensated for the toil and expo- 
sure. Then, too. Congress was in session, and our men not 
only had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing the great 
men of the nation there assembled, but of listening to their 
debates and public speeches, and acquiring a knowledge of 
the law-making power of the nation, at a time when if ever 
the eloquence of the forum was brought out, or the wisdom 
of the country assembled in awful conclave, it was then. In 
our strolls about the city we visited the Congressional 
Georgetown and Rose Hill Cemeteries ; all ornamented in 
the highest style of modern art and places for deep reflec- 
tion, where repose the honored dead of many generations. 

One day while going from the camp to the city, we stopped 
to witness the manoeuvering of some troops on the common. 
Turning aside from the road, we presently stumbled over 
something, and upon trying to ascertain what, we discovered 
some old graves whose tomb-stones had fallen, or been 
broken down, and over which the troops were passing and 
repassing, apparently unconscious of the character orsacred- 



52 THE Eianiii Illinois cavalry. 

ness of the spot. Curiosity prompted us to examine some 
of the old and crumbling stones, when we were led to de- 
cipher the lettering of one which proved to be the grave of 
Lorenzo Dow. In my boyhood I had heard many stories 
of this eccentric preacher — that he used to leave appoint- 
ments to preach from certain stumps and trees, many weeks 
and even months in advance, and that he always fulfilled 
such appointments. A thousand legends of his odd ways 
came to my mind, and I could hardly believe that I stood at 
his^grave, thus neglected, and unless marked anew, soon to 
pass beyond recognition. Instinctively I looked around to 
see if "his Peggy's" grave could be discovered, but found it 
not, and I left the place wondering why, Avith so many tow- 
ering spires in sight, and the thousands of professing Christ- 
ians of the Methodist Church in the immediate vicinity, this 
grave should be so neglected ; but perhaps, I thought, when 
the war is over it will receive better attention. 

At this time Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria, 
in fact the whole District of Columbia was like one immense 
military camp, so great an army had collected here, but no 
expedition of any importance was being prosecuted, and with 
the exception of camp rumors, which were rendered daily in 
various forms and contradicted as often, each day passed 
very much like the preceding. Finally our equipment was 
complete, and we received orders to be in readiness to march 
into Virginia the next day. Our sick list now numbered 
eighty-five names, many of whom were disabled from duty 
by injuries received by kicks, bruises and sprains ; but as 
we had not yet lost any by death, we considered ourselves 
very fortunate compared with the regiments encamped about 
us, where funerals occurred every day. The First Michigan 
Cavalry came here one week before us, and they already 
numbered forty-two deaths, and others were suffering in like 
proportion. But little sleep was taken that night, as the 
thought of crossing the river into Virginia and actually en- 
countering the enemy was too exciting to admit of repose, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 53 

and by early dawn on the 13th, the bugles sounded and the 
camp was all astir. Our first duty was to dispose of the sick 
by sending them to the general hospital, which had been 
established at the Columbian College, but we found that a 
greater portion of them were determined to remain, and con- 
sequently the worst cases only were sent, those who could 
possibly sit upon a horse, going with the regiment, thus 
proving their devotion to the cause they had espoused. 
This was to be our first march fully equipped for service, 
and about ten o'clock A. M., our baggage being loaded in 
army wagons, we started with a small advance guard preced- 
ing us about an hour. Company M was detailed to remain 
in camp and take charge of the Commissary and Quarter- 
master's stores, which could not then be taken. Preceded 
by the Colonel and staff, the regiment moved by fours down 
Fourteenth street through the city to the Long Bridge, while 
thousands crowded the highway to see us pass, for such a 
body of mounted cavalry had never before marched through 
Washington, and our western horses made a splendid appear- 
ance of which we were proud. 

We will here mention that we had yet to learn what the 
actual necessities of army life were, for we had so much which 
we thought was necessary to sustain life, that we required 
eighty-one heavy army wagons to transport it ; but before 
the close of the war we found that we did not employ more 
than a dozen to transport what we really needed. Crossing 
the Potomac on Long Bridge, and passing by the frowning 
forts on the Yirginia side, we were soon marching through 
the city of Alexandria, where from every window and crevice 
we could see the secessionists peaking out to abuse us and see 
what kind of appearance we made. However, this was not 
to be wondered at, for a large portion of the rebel cavalry 
had been recruited in and about the city, and those remain- 
ing at home were eager to see with what they had to contend, 
though for my part I should have had far greater respect 
for them had they come out into the street like men, and 



64 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

1 am inclined to think this was the sentiment of the 
regiment. 

We soon reached our camp about three miles west of Alex- 
andria. It was situated ou a hillside descendincr from the 

o 

turnpike towards the south, and a beautiful view was spread 
out before us. At the foot of the hill we could see a small 
stream (Hunting Creek,) winding through the distance like 
a thread of silver, and there, too, was the Orange & Alexan- 
dria Railroad, with its almost constant clang and clatter, so 
that while the little brook seemed to whisper of rest, peace 
and quiet, the skrill shriek of the engine called one back to 
the actual life before us, of war and activity. Near by 
stood Fairfax Theological Seminary and Forts Ellsworth, 
Lyon, Worth and Ward. Several thousand infantry were 
encamped about us, among which were the celebrated "Irish 
J)rigade," also the Sixty-third and Sixty-ninth New York 
regiments with whom we became quite intimate in the course 
of events that followed. 

The soil was a reddish clay loam, and the men at once 
went to work digging down to level the floors of their tents, 
and some of them even dug to the depth of eighteen inches 
to enlarge and make them higher. They were warned that 
when the rainy season began, the water would leak through 
this soil and make the tents very unpleasant as well as un- 
healthy. Not believing this, however, they persisted, but 
sadly repented before spring. The weather was warm and 
pleasant ; camp was soon arranged and drilling with horses, 
and sabre exercises on foot were entered into with alacrity. 
We were liable to be called upon at any time to attack the 
enemy or repel an invasion, and our men fully realized the 
situation. 

About this time a deserter from one of the regiments near 
by was shot. It appears that he had enlisted for the purpose 
of gaining information to convey to the rebels, and after 
leaving his regiment he met some federal soldiers and, mis- 
taking them for the enemy, freely disclosed his doings and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 55 

our situation. He was arrested, tried by court-martial and 
condemned to die. As is usually the case, twelve men from 
his regiment Avcre selected by lot to shoot him ; eleven of 
their guns were loaded with ball and one with blank- 
cartridge, so that no man might know whose ball hit him. 
The brigade to which he belonged was drawn up in line to 
Avitness the execution, and at the specified hour the prisoner 
was brought out and seated upon his coffin. How dreadful 
the scene! There sat the poor culprit who had forfeited 
his life in endeavoring to aid the enemies of the cause he 
should have gloried in supporting; there the twelve men 
with their guns pointed ready to send his soul into eternity 
at the given signal ; and here thousands of soldiers waiting 
to see the traitor receive his just deserts, while over all there 
seemed to hang a deep gloom. The word was given, and 
they fibred. Three balls entered his body, but were not fatal, 
and they were obliged to shoot again. All was over ; the 
man was dead ; his spirit with his Maker, and a higher power 
than ours will now pronounce his doom ; but the scene left 
its impression upon our minds, and although such occurrences 
became frequent, I shall never forget this — the first I had 
ever witnessed. 

December 18th our attention was attracted by a fully in- 
flated balloon, which passed up the road, it being managed 
by ropes attached to the net which covered it, and held by 
men. LeMontaine, who had attained some celebrity as an 
aeronaut, had charge it, and anticipated making an ascen- 
sion soon, to ascertain the position of the enemy. It was then 
thought by the aid of balloons we could not only discover 
the position of the opposing army, but by having telegraph 
lines connected with the car, a General might sit there, over- 
look a battle, and give commands with great ease ; and that 
in the possession of them we had an advantage over our foes 
of the greatest importance. How much faith General McClel- 
lan and the War Department placed in this, we do not know ; 
but that they were brought into the field and thoroughly 



56 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

tested, we do know ; and more than that, we know that these 
air-castles soon vanished like a dream. 

About half-past nine o'clock P. M., and orderly rode into 
camp bringing an order from General Sumner for fifty men 
to report at his headquarters at once. As this was the first 
call upon us, it created quite a sensation among " the boys," 
and all were eager to go. The requisite number were de- 
tailed from the first Battalion. Ammunition was hastily 
issused, haversacks filled, and they soonjvent galloping out 
of camp. They were taken about two miles west, where 
nearly three thousand infantry were stationed, preparatory 
to repelling an attack of the enemy who were reported to 
be advancing in that direction. After remaining all night 
they returned to camp about nine o'clock A. M., from their 
bloodless battle. The next evening twelve men, with three 
day's rations, left camp to act as an escort to General Sum- 
ner, and from this time we were called on almost daily for 
details of men for some purpose ; part of the time to go out 
to the picket line, and occasionally scouting beyond, on the 
neutral ground, or that which lay between our picket line 
and that of the enemy. When put to the test, it was found 
that the pistols which had been issued to the men were not 
reliable ; as many of them would snap several times before 
discharging, and some could not be shot at all. Our Colonel 
and Quartermaster Stevens had made several efforts to get 
them exchanged, but to no purpose ; the reply of the Gen- 
eral in charge of that department being that " the men should 
be satisfied with the arms furnished them, and not be finding 
fault." Elon J. Farnsworth, one of the Battalion Quarter- 
masters, whose shrewdness and wit were proverbial, said he 
could get them exchanged ; so selecting a number of the 
poorest ones, he went to the General, but received the same 
answer that the others had. 

"But, General," said he, "let me show you;" and he 
commenced loading them rapidly, all the time talking to the 
General, and explaining in his quick, nervous way of 
speaking. 

"But stop," said the General; "you are not going to 
shoot here ?" 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 57 

"Well, well; just let me show you," was F.'s reply, and 
by this time the men, who had been well instructed in ad- 
vance, had the pistols loaded and proceeded to snap away at 
random, pointing at the fireplace. 

" Hold ! hold !" commanded the General, "you must not 
shoot here." 

"No danger. Not the least danger," said Farnsworth, 
still pulling away at the trigger. " I assure you they are 
perfectly harmless." 

Concluding by this time that he had fully demonstrated 
the worthlessness of the weapon, he handed one to the Gen- 
eral, who threw it aside, and at once wrote an order to have 
them exchanged, remarking that " they were not fit to go to 
war with," 

On December 24th the first death occurred in our regi- 
ment, that of William Dilox of Company H, who died of 
typhoid fever, of which we had several cases. December 
25th (Christmas) was a beautiful day. Many of the soldiers 
had received boxes from home containing luxuries not com- 
mon among soldiers, while others had patronized the sutlers 
and dealers in Alexandria to such an extent, that a luxurious 
repast was the result. There were turkeys, pies, fruit and 
oysters in abundance, and in the camps about us various 
sports were enacted. Some ran foot races in bags, and 
others greased a pig and ofi"ered to the person who would 
shoulder it and carry it into camp. The "Irish Brigade" 
were not behind others in keeping the holiday, and all 
seemed to enjoy it as well as they could have done at home. 
But a change soon took place. On the 26th it began to 
storm, rain fell in torrents, the ground froze some but not 
enough to bare up either horses or men, and our camp soon 
became a mire nearly knee-deep to the horses, and the tents, 
especially those where the ground had been dug away, were 
wet and uncomfortable ; consequently sickness increased 
rapidly. 

On the 28th, in company with Doctor Stull, I went to 



S8 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Washington to see the Medical Director in relation to our 
conveniences for the sick, and near the National Observatory, 
where had stood the government stables, we beheld a heart- 
sickening sight. These stables had taken fire, probably the 
work of an incendiary, and of the two thousand horses then in 
the stables, some two hundred were burnt to death and their 
black and charred remains presented a horrid spectacle, 
fearful to behold. They lay in every conceivable position, 
as they had writhed and struggled in the fiery element. 

It was now about the close of the year 1861, and no ad- 
yance had been made by this army since General McClellan 
took command. Rumors of an advance were current, and at 
one time we received orders to be in readiness to move at a 
moments notice, but time passed without any movement. 
About the last of December 186 1, and first of January 1862, 
the weather became more pleasant, and the change was hailed 
with joy among the soldeirs. December 31st the regiment 
was inspected by General French and mustered for pay. 
The parade took place near Cloud's Mills, very near the spot 
where occurred a skirmish just previous to the battle of Bull 
Run. General French complimented the regiment highly 
on its splendid appearance, and after returning to his quarters 
he told some of his ofiicers, " If you wanted to see a regi- 
ment that is a regiment, go and look at the Eighth Illinois 
Cavalry." 

New Years day, January 1st, 1862, was remarkably fine. 
The "Irish Brigade" were addressed by their chaplin, who 
extolled Ireland and the Irish people to the sky, and we 
became satisfied from the appearance of the " Sons of the 
Emerald Isle," that they would fight if they had the oppor- 
tunity. From this time the weather began to be more un- 
settled and stormy ; our camp was becoming more muddy 
and unhealthy, and the sick list kept increasing. We were 
obliged to detail dispensing clerks and put the Ilospita 
Stewards on Assistant Surgeon's duty, visiting the sick in 
quarters. Asst. Surgeon Crawford and I were unable to visit 



TSE EIGHTS ILLINOIS CAVALRY. &Q 

all the patients in a day, and with the aid of the Stewards it 
was frequently midnight before we finished making the 
rounds of the camp. During the month of January more 
than fi,ve hundred were on the sick list. The diseases were 
mostly what is termed typho-malarial fever, while a large 
number of cases were genuine typhoid fever. Many of the 
patients were so delirious that it required considerable force 
and constant watching to prevent their rushing out in the 
rain, and injuring themselves. We had but two hospital . 
tents, and consequently were obliged to send a large number 
to the general hospital in Alexandria, where many of them 
died. Thus matters grew worse from day to day. The 
number sent to the general hospita? , . was greater than ever 
before, and we needed more medicine than was allowed to an 
ordinary regiment. 

On the the 9th of Janury I went to Washington to obtain 
an extra supply of medicine on special requisition, but these 
limited supplies were soon exhausted. At one time on 
making application to send more patients to the general 
hospital and for medicine, I was refused by tne Medical 
Director until I should explain the cause of such a want. 

The report in response to this order gave a description of 
our location, the number of sick and suffering, with our lim- 
ited accommodations, to-wit : Two hospital tents. I also 
notified the Medical Director that to obtain a permit to send 
patients to the general hospital at Alexandria, we were 
obliged to send a messenger through the mud to Washington 
eleven miles distant, who could not return until night, and 
then the permit was good for that day only. 

Aroused to a sense of our suffering, the Medical Director 
sent four large ambulances from Washington to convey our 
sick to the hospital, but unfortunately they did not arrive 
until nearly dark, and the drivers were so intoxicated 
that they could not be trusted with such a valuable load as our 
noble men who were entirely helpless. The drivers were 
promptly reported to headquarters, and were as promptly 
dismissed. 



60 THl EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

It is due our Medical Director, Surgeon Tripler, however, 
to say that -when he became fully aware of our necessities 
he spared no pains to do all in his power to aid us. His as- 
sistant surgeon, A. K. Smith, from the time of our arrival 
in Washington showed us many kindnesses, and was ever the 
firm friend of the regiment. 

On the 18th of January a reconnoisance was ordered to 
feel the enemy in our front ; well described by our chaplain 
Matlack, in a letter to the American Wesleyan of January 
29th, which I take the liberty of quoting : 

Sunday morning, 18th. Last night orders were received 
for two companies of our men to report at General Howard's 
headquarters at eight A. M. to-day. The Colonel gave me 
permission to go with them. Companies G and H, captains 
Medell and Hooker, headed by Major Beveridge, went ofif 
with one day's rations. 

This was the largest force we had called out. And some 
interest was awakened b}^ their forming in front of the camp, 
all armed with sabre, carbine and pistol. At the word, "By 
fours forward I" we put off at a trot. At headquarters, the 
General invited the Major, Captains and Chaplain, in for a 
few minutes. " Have you a Surgeon and an ambulance?" 
We may have use for them," he remarked. On starting it 
commenced raining. "Chaplain have you no oil cloth " — 
"You had better get it out." Dismounting, I took it out 
from under my blanket. Before completing my fix they 
were out of sight in the fog. But Billy was only a little 
while reaching the column and finding his place at its head, 
abreast of the General and Major, 

" I never saw a regiment so well mounted as your's. The 
men must take good care of their horses, or they would not 
look so well with their poor accommodations — Are your car- 
bines loaded?" — "No, sir. The powder is liable to waste 
traveling, and may become damp while it rains. They load 
easily." — "Yes, yes, but an attack on us will be sudden. 
Our response to their fire must be instantaneous, or we shall 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 61 

be surprised and confused. A warrior must provide always 
against surprises. But within our lines it is not necessary. 
At the outpost you will all load." 

Our way was over, or through deep mud and a pouring 
rain. Finding myself growing wet faster than the law of 
storms required, I examined and lo ! my canteen cork was 
out, and my three pints of coffee were leaking fast away, as 
we trotted and jolted along. This remedied, all went pleas- 
antly. Now we splashed on in the bye-road — anon we can- 
tered over a plain — and then through the woods. Arriving 
at Edsill's Hill, we brought up and added two officers as aids 
for the General. We now struck into the forest on a narrow 
path, and within half a mile we passed the outposts of our 
army, and pushed forward cautiously, never [going faster 
than a walk. 

" Major, send out three horsemen as far ahead as they 
can go within sight. Follow them with a platoon, as advance 
guard. Behind them we will follow with the main column. 
But behind us let there be a rear guard of a platoon." 

Thus disposed, we moved on at a rapid walk. Turning 
away from the main road, the General ordered — " Send for- 
ward at full gallop two men as far as they can go and see us. 
Let them pause until the whole column pass, then follow on 
in our rear," In this way he managed at every cross-road 
and bye-rood. No better country exists for ambuscade and 
masked batteries than this. The roads are narrow and 
crooked. And the evergreen forests are so close that we 
could not see five rods ahead. Besides, the day was very 
foggy and a heavy rain falling. 

Silently or without talking, we moved on by two's or single 
file. Suddenly — craclc went a rifle on our right. "What 
does that mean, was it in our column,'' enquired the General. 
"No sir," said the Major. All else was silent, as they 
moved forward with their hands pressing their carbines. 
" Send back a trusty man half a mile in the rear to the right, 
to look out and report if any movement appears on our rear." 



62 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Our first pause was at a stately mansion. A heavy posted 
gate well made, swung open in front of a spacious lawn with 
graveled roads. " Send forward three men ahead of me. 
The staff and aid will go with me. The balance of the force 
wait without." As we neared the house a well-dressed ser- 
vant approached. He was non-communicative, cautious and 
seemed to know nothing. His name was Frank. Flanking 
the barn we drew up in front of the dwelling. A coal black 
"boy" of twenty years came up with a pair of steers draw- 
ing wood. Unlike the mulatto Frank, this fellow was all of 
a tickle. His eyes danced, his white teeth and clean gums 
fairly shone. He mighty glad to see us. Though he did 
not say so. "My name's Noah." " Noah?" said I. "Yes 
sir, Noah — that's it." And his look said, "Can't I tell you 
something more you want to know?" But widow Fitzhugh 
was a kind, comunicative lady, who has written * protections' 
signed by Scott and some others. Possibly by Beauregard 
and *'some others!" After a pleasant interview. General 
Howard and his Surgeon re-mounted and we bade adieu. 

Besides Frank and Noah, another elderly man named 
"Jeems," came out to see us. He wore spectacles and 
looked venerable. " I have lived hear always. My wife is 
hear too. We never had any children but two little ones I 
adopted." Another personage appeared, — a white man, — 
George Seever, — a native of Hanover in Germany — gardener 
for widow Fitzhugh, according to his own statement. He 
told me that the steers were all the team they had — " Our 
whole dependence now. The carriage horses were taken 
from us by the Cameron Hifles." (Doubtful.) 

For a number of miles we were only moving along slow 
and keeping a sharp look out. At last we paused for dinner. 
Not a hotel, nor private house, nor even unhorsed but, reins 
loose, each in his saddle, drew out his bread and meat and 
"fell to eating." Being provided with rations for all day 
and the following morning, all were fed and haversacks full 
left. My coffee canteen was supplicatingly approached by 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 63 

the General, the Major,Captain and others, who were not 
turned empty away. 

" And now men we will strike off north towards the Fair- 
fax Court House road. Major, send out a squad to that 
first left hand road. See where it leads. Look out sharp. 
Examine every hiding-place. Forward." 

On we went over the road, then through an open country 
studded with hills, looking sharp enough at every point. 
Coming out near a large farm house, the column was halted, 
and I went in with the General through the yard and round 
to the •' quarters."' The great house was empty. A " boy" 
of forty was in front of a log cabin, whose answers to ques- 
tions were — "My name is Alfred — Alfred Bell — Dunno how 
old I is — was born roun here — ole marse and young massa's 
gone wid de army — am I for de Union ? Well gemmen, I is 
a fren to dem whose a fren to me — I aint gwine to take no 
sides — he! he! he!" While most of us remained outside, 
the General, the Surgeon, a reporter and an aid went in. 
One of them after ten minutes came out and called to me — 
"Chaplain, the general wishes you to come in." I dis- 
mounted and stooped through the low cabin door. In one 
corner of the old-fashioned chimney sat the General bare- 
headed. Opposite him sat an old blind negro-waman, per- 
haps eighty years old. Behind her chair stood a younger 
woman. Around these members of the staff. It was a scene. 
" Chaplain, I am warming my feet here, and have been talk- 
ing to these poor women about God, and about prayer. 
They dont pray much, nor have any preaching nor meetings 
of any kind. Will it be agreeable to you to unite with us 
who are here in prayer ? It will do us all good." 

Never in my life did it seem more agreeable. " Certainly 
General Howard. Prayer is a pleasure to me anywhere. 
Here most cheerfully I pray. Let us kneel — On his knees 
beside me, with uncovered heads around, the General breathed 
an audible and earnest "Amen," while I prayed for our- 
selves, our comrades, the poor old slaves and our country. 



64 THE EIGUTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

For freedom's triumph, for slavery's overthrow, and finally 
for peace and rest and joy when we fell, either on the field 
or in a quiet grave. 

"And now, Lucy," said the General, speaking to the 
younger, " do you remember that short prayer I wanted you 
to teach the old woman here?" "I don't jes remember it 
now, sir." "It was this — Lord, let thy holy Spirit teach me 
what is right and good." "Yes, sir, I can do that." "Who 
do you pray to?" "The Lord." "Who is the Lord?" 
" Our Saviour." " Who do you mean by that?" "Jesus 
Christ." " Well Lucy, you must love him, and pray to him 
and be good. Good-bye old mother — good-bye Lucy." 

On mounting at the door, the soldier came again. And 
many hurried questions were put to and answered by Alfred. 
Reining up to start, he said, " O, Alfred, here, I forgot, one 
question more." He leaned forward and whispered in his 
ear, "Alfred, do you ever pray?" "Sometimes, sir." 
"You ought to pray every day." "Yes, sir, maybe I 
should." "You must not forget God for he remembers you 
all the time." " I guess he do," said Alfred with an amazed 
look, astonished to hear such words. 

Putting spurs to his horse he dashed on to the main road. 
Billy and the Chaplain coming next, and a long string follow- 
ing after, " No wonder thought I, " that at Manassas, the 
then Colonel Howard was as cool under a heavy fire as on 
dress parade; and the Third Maine was brave and true." 

The horse he rides now, was shot under him then, a bullet 
passing through the leg — since recovered. Our return trip 
commenced soon after this visit. Many items of interest 
occurred on the road. But my letter is too long now by the 
editor's yard-stick. Besides I am tired of writing. The 
great number of the sick require much of my time abroad in 
the camp. But this I say in closing that the battery cannot 
be found that would keep men back when Howard 'leads the 
van. 

The condition of our camp from the continuous rains, was 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 65 

sad to behold, and sadder to endure. The mud ia map yor- 
tions of it being more than shoe deep, and we were forced to 
wade from tent to tent. It was evident that something more 
than what had been done was necessaiy to save our regiment 
from extermination ; accordingly we looked about the coun- 
try for a house to use for a hospital. Situated on a bluff, over- 
looking the surrounding country, and less than a mile dis- 
tant from our camp, was a splendid mansion, occupied by a 
family by the name of Slaymaker. In front was a grove of 
magnificent oaks and pines, and being furnished with all the 
modern improvements as well as a number of out-houses for 
the servants, it evidently had been the abode of one of the 
F. F. V.'s. Mrs. Colonel Farnsworth was boarding at this 
house and we learned from her that it was owned by one 
Witmer, a violent secesh and business partner of the occu- 
pant, Slaymaker, who, when the Union army, headed by 
Colonel Ellsworth, entered Alexandria, had gone with the 
rebels and was now with their army, or within their lines, 
and that Slaymaker had moved from Alexandria into the 
house to keep it from being occupied or injured by our troops, 
and was now protected by our army, a safeguard of soldiers 
being stationed to guard the premises. Before proceeding 
further it may be well to explain what we mean by a " safe- 
guard," as it may be used frequently in this narative. The 
citizens would often call on our commanders for protection, 
when one or more men would be detailed to patrol the 
premises, whose duty it was to prevent any soldiers from 
molesting either the persons or property under his care. The 
family generally furnished the safe-guards with food, it being 
to their own interest to treat them well. We learned that 
this Slaymaker's family had recently induced a soldier who 
was acting as safe-guard to desert. This had reached the 
ear of Colonel Taylor, General Sumner's Adjutant General, 
who was greatly displeased with them on that account. 
Although this mansion was on the opposite side of the turn- 
pike from our camp, where General Kearney's command lay at 
9 



66 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

some distance, General Sumner claimed that it was within 
his jurisdiction ; accordingly we applied to him for permis- 
sion to dispossess Slaymaker and occupy the house as a hos- 
pital, at the same time setting forth' our necessities and the 
facts in relation to the occupants. The General approved 
our application and Colonel Farnsworth at once carried it in 
person to General Heintzelman, who immediately gave us an 
order to take possession. 

Wishing to treat the family with all kindness, I went with 
a squad of men, read the order to Mr. Slaymaker, and gave 
him twenty-four hours in which to vacate. During this time 
he obtained an order from General Kearney, who claimed to 
have command of the ground, countermanding ours, and for- 
bidding any one to disturb him, at the same time stationing 
additional guards there. Determined not to be out-done, 
we again applied for/>U<Kiaission to take the house, and this 
time carried the application to Washington where we obtained 
a renewal of the order from General McClellan. This time 
we decided not to give twenty-four hours in which to get the 
order countermanded, but proceeded to the house and order- 
ed them to remove forthwith. It was then morning and we 
gave them until noon to leave the premises. At noon, load- 
ing an ambulance with convalescents, I went with a squad 
of men under charge of Corporal Cassady, of Company G, 
to the house and found the doors bolted. We knocked but 
were not admitted. Without waiting long, Cassady put his 
foot very forcibly against the door which yielded to the blow, 
and we entered with as much dignity as though we had been 
ushered in with al the ceremony of strict etiquette. The 
women of the house sat there and boldly declared their de- 
termination not to leave. Not the least shaken in our re- 
solve of possessing the house, we very politely offered them 
our assistance in removing their carpets and furniture (for 
the house was elegantly furnished) which they indignantly 
refused, retorting as saucily as secesh ladies only can ; Mrs. 
S. even daring us to lay our hands on the furniture, threat- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 67 

ening to report us to General McClellan. I directed the 
men to "bring in those typhoid fever patients," at which 
command there was considerable consternation depicted in 
the face of each woman, who seemed very much frightened 
at the thought of having a typhoid fever case brought into 
their presence. They not only went to work themselves, but 
were willing to accept of our services to the fullest extent. 
Mr. Slaymaker was absent endeavoring to get our order 
countermanded, and by the time he returned we had his goods 
loaded on wagons, and that afternoon the family were re- 
moved to their own residence in Alexandria. By these 
means we were enabled to provide a comfortable and even 
commodious hospital for our suffering soldiers during the 
most inclement season of the year, and many lives were no 
doubt saved by their being transferred from our " camp in the 
mud" to this attractive spot where they were comfortably 
provided for during the remainder of the winter. About 
this time Colonel Farnsworth received orders to remove the 
regiment to Alexandria where the men and horses could be 
sheltered in vacant secesh houses and shops, and on the 
morning of January 24th, the regiment moved to the city 

except headquarters and a guard to protect the property of 
the camp. 



CHAPTER III. 

Camp Suffering— Rebel citizenB obliged to work under the Flag— Qen«ral Montgomery 
—Eighty -Eighth Pennsylvania— Arrest of a Parson in Church— Virginia Chronicle— 
Burning of the Citizen Printing Office— Presentation of a Cane to Major McKcnzie— 
Flag Presentation by Ladies of Alexandria- Arrival of General Sumner— Hutchison 
Family Concert— Alexandria— Christ's Church— Washington's Pew— Old Cemetery 
— Slavb Pen. 

Camp California, and our first winter of suffering in it, 
will never be forgotten by the veterans of the the Eighth Illi- 
nois Cavalry. When we first took possession the weathe^ 
was dry and fair, and being on the side of a hill we hoped 
for a pleasant camp, but no sooner did the rain begin than 
we were in a perfect mire ; literally there seemed to be no 
bottom to the mud, and it held the water like a sponge. The 
horses were taken from their lines in camp and picketed 
over the surrounding hills, but they would not stand an hour 
in a place without making a deep mud-hole. 

At morning sick call the men would come wet and shiver- 
ing to the dispensary, and had it not been for the large 
chapel tent, obtained by our chaplain from the good people 
of Philadelphia, in which we held our sick call, the suffering 
would doubtless have been much greater. Frequently did we 
call to mind the sufferings of our revolutionary fathers at 
Valley Forge and Brandywine, which gave us courage to 
endure our trials. At one time the men began to clamor for 
whisky in the hope that that would sustain their drooping 
spirits. The matter came before me for approval but I 
refused ; recommending that the men on guard should have 
coffee and crackers at every relief, believing it to be more 
sustaining and less injurious than whisky. In this I was 
sustained by Colonel F., and although there was some dis- 



THB EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALET. 69 

satisfaction, I think nearly all acquiesced, and now believe 
it to have been for the best. 

In the camps about us there was even more sickness than 
in ours, and most of them adopted the plan of issuing rations 
of whisky. The Fifty-third Pennsylvania had thrice the 
number of deaths that we had, simply, as I believe, because 
they resorted to the use of spirits. It became quite custo- 
mary at this time to issue a preparation of whisky and 
quinine, which the Sanitary Commission furnished in large 
quantities already prepared ; I think, however, that this plan 
was not adopted by the government, and I now greatly doubt 
the propriety of the course then pursued by the Sanitary 
Commission. Some days before leaving this camp General 
Sumner rode in on horseback, and his horse taking fright 
threw him to the ground injuring his back severely, from 
which he never fuUv recovered. He was confined to his 
room for a few days, then went to Washington that he might 
have better accommodations than could be obtained in the 
field. The regiment having moved into Alexandria was 
quartered in vacant houses as follows : — Companies A and 
L in fine houses on Duke street near number 75 ; Company 
B near the Wharf ; Companies C and M corner of Wolf and 
Fairfax streets ; Companies D, G and K on Wolf street ; 
Company F in the old printing office on Royal street; Com- 
pany H in Washington street, Methodist church south ; 
Company I opposite the Methodist church, and Company E 
on Prince street near the residence of Mayor McKenzie. 
As we now had comfortable quarters all those who were not 
sick proceeded to enjoy themselves as well as they could, 
with such amusements as came to hand, together with read- 
ing and writing letters home. Thus the time passed very 
pleasantly ; brightened almost every day by receiving kind 
and welcome missives from their friends. The horses were 
as well cared for as the men ; those of Companies G and K 
occupying the ground floor of the spacious foundry, over 
which Company G was quartered ; Company M's horses in 



70 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

another foundry near the Railroad Tunnel, and those of all 
the other Companies were fully as well provided with shelter. 
The Regimental Dispensary was located in a fine brick build- 
ing on- Washington street near Wolf, the upper part of which 
was occupied by some of the officers [and their families. 
This was also the house to which the remains of the rebel 
Jackson, who murdered Colonel Ellsworth, were taken, over 
which the secessionists lamented so long. 

After remaining in camp a few days Colonel Farnsworth 
removed his head-quarters to a fine brick edifice on Washing- 
ton street, near King, formerly occupied by a doctor, who 
ran away when our troops under Ellsworth occupied the city. 
General Montgomery was in command of the place as mili- 
tary Governor. Pie was an old army oflicer, rather superan- 
uated, fond of flattery and in great favor with the ladies of 
disloyal sentiments. They were in the habit of sending him 
boquets of flowers, and bestowing all the compliments they 
could heap upon him, and receiving in return every favor 
he could grant. So careful was he not to off'end them that 
he did not even display the "stars and stripes" at his head- 
quarters, as was the custom of all other officers ; it being the 
rule with them to keep the glorious old flag flying at all times. 
Colonel Farnsworth had the fine, large flag presented by the 
ladies of St. Charles conspicuously displayed at his head- 
quarters, and stretched across the sidewalk, so that all 
walking on that side of the street were obliged to pass under 
it. This annoyed the rebels of Alexandria exceedingly. 

One Sunday while a German soldier named Brower, of 
Company C, was on duty as sentinel, a man and two women 
came tripping along, dressed in the finest style, their silks 
rustling and trailing over the pavement, and altogether over- 
doing themselves in the effort of trying to make a grand 
display; when near the flag one of the women remarked that 
she would not walk under that rag ; and they turned out 
into the street to go around it. This was more than our 
loyal sentinel could endure, and bringing his carbine down 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 71 

on the brick walk with considerable force, commanded them 
to "Halt! and walk under that flag or he would shoot." 
Reluctantly, with trembling limbs and compressed lips, very 
much after the fashion of an ague fit, — they returned from 
the muddy street to the sidewalk, and went sneakingly be- 
neath the flag, that waved proudly and defiantly over their 
heads as if conscious of the noble and soldierly conduct of 
its brave defenders. Upon being relieved Brower came to 
Colonel Farnsworth to apologize. He told the Colonel that 
*' he did not know but he had exceeded his duty ; but it 
made his blood boil and he would make them walk under the 
flag if he died for it." 'No reprimand was given. Alas; 
the body of this valiant soldier now lies slumbering in the 
soil of Virginia; thus he did die in defence of that flag he 
so much admired. 

After General Montgomery took command of the city as 
military governor the rebels and their sympathizers had pretty 
much their own way. The truly loyal (and of such there 
were not a few), were kept at bay. The General was trying 
to coak treason out of the rebels, but our men had entered 
the field to fight traitors, and by their expressed hatred of 
rebels and respect for the union-loving citizens, soon made 
the former tremble and fear, while the latter put on a bolder 
face. Among the loyal men of Alexandria were Mayor Mc 
Kinzie, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Shim and Mr. Tacy. 

Captain Freese — Adjutant General — and the depot Quar- 
termaster, on General Montgomery's staff", were gentlemen 
of high order, and showed us all due consideration. The 
union ladies, too, God bless them, were untiring in their at- 
tention to the soldiers, especially the sick, and as our efforts 
were now turned entirely toward the wants of the men and 
the animals, to keep them in the best possible condition, their 
assistance was very opportune. 

It was evident that no advance could be made at this sea- 
son of the year ; the weather being very inclement and the 
roads almost impassable. Sickness had increased to an 



72 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

alarming extent, and in order to take proper care of our 
patients we took possession of an elegant mansion on Wash- 
ington street, (the Beverly Estate), known since as Grosvener 
Hospital; not, however, without considerable trouble. The 
owners had packed their goods and gone South, leaving the 
property in charge of an agent. We applied to General 
Montgomery for permission to use the house, but he peremp- 
torily refused. Refering to the removal of the Slaymaker 
family he said we were brought here to protect the people, 
rather than drive^ them from their homes, and appeared 
quite indignant at the idea of our asking such a thing of 
him. But Colonel Farnsworth had authority from Genera 
Heintzelman to take such vacant houses as we needed, 
and after considerable strategy and sharp practice we ob- 
tained the keys, and were not long in filling the house with 
our sick, who were too numerous to be accommodated at our 
hospital in the country. The house was supplied with gas, 
hot and cold baths, and in every way suitable for a first-class 
hospital ; and we were none too prompt in obtaining it for 
the measles soon broke out among us, and we soon had from 
twenty to thirty beds filled with that disease alone as long as 
we remained in the city. These movements widened if possi 
ble the breach between us and the rebels of Alexandria. 
The Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry were on duty here 
as provost guards to preserve order ; with which the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry were on the most friendly terms. We were 
in a measure independent of General Montgomery, being 
under command of General Sumner, to whom we reported, 
consequently were under no obligations to obey the orders 
of General M. Our regiment patrolled the city nightly to 
look after our own men, and many were the amusing inci- 
dents that occurred at such times. None were allowed out 
after nine o'clock without a pass from his commanding 
officers, but such good feelings existed between the Eighth 
Illinois and the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania that they were 
very sure not to see one another after that hour, though 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 73 

they met on the sidewalk. The numerous places where 
liquor was sold and houses of ill-fame, which were found on 
almost every street, were often entered by the patrol in 
search of soldiers, and not unfrequently discoveries were 
made in these dens of vice and misery of oflficers and men, 
whose characters when at home were above reproach, and 
for the sake of their friends we will draw over them the veil 
of secrecy. We will, however, do the regiment the justice to 
say that these were the exceptions, and compared with those 
recruited in the eastern cities, the morals of the Eighth were 
such as to make us proud of belonging to it. 

On Sunday, February 0th, an incident occurred worthy 
of a place in history. The boldness of the rebels in the city 
and the lenient manner in which they were treated by Gen- 
eral Montgomery and others, had at last aroused the indig- 
nation of our men to the highest degree, and they let no 
opportunity pass to make traitors know and feel that they 
had entered the army for the express purpose of suppressing 
and crushing the rebellion. I will here quote an incident 
as recorded in the Virginia Chronicle : 

TREASON IN THE PULPIT — ARREST OF A SECESSION PARSON IN 

CHURCH ! 

"The Rev. Mr. Stewart, a renegade parson of northern 
birth, who was lately driven from a western pulpit by an 
indignant congregation, for his incorrigible and offensive 
secessionism, and who has since been stopped in attempting to 
cross the lines on his way to Dixie, was promptly and prop- 
erly brought up "with a round turn," as our martial friend 
has it, yesterday morning at St. Paul's Church, during what 
ought to have been divine service, but which the reverend 
traitor converted into an insolent and defiant endorsement 
and glorification of treason and rebellion." 

It appears that on seyeral occasions this man has used, 

in the pulpit, language that would have cost him his life in 

any other country engaged, as this is, in quelling a rebellion? 

and that he has taken particular pains to be as offensive as 

10 



74 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

possible otherwise in matters and manners. He has always 
omitted, for example, the prayers prescribed by the Episco- 
pal Church of which he is a clergyman, for the President 
and the Congress of the United States, and on the Sabbath 
before last, (February 2nd,) he announced from the pulpit 
that he had an order from Bishop Mead of Virginia, now an 
active secessionist in rebelldom, to pray publicly in his pulpit 
for Jeff Davis and his Cabinet, the rebel Congress and the 
rebel army and navy. After making this announcement, 
this northern renegade stated openly and defiantly that he 
should omit those prayers, not because his sympathy was 
not with the government and army of the south, but because 
he could not read such prayers here without rendering him- 
self liable to arrest. He expected his congregation, how- 
ever, as he had often done before, to pray privatelt/ as he did 
for the success of the rebellion. 

Now it happened that the conduct of this clerical traitor 
came to the knowledge of Captain E. J. Farnsworth, of Com- 
pany K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and this gentleman, being 
a zealous churchman as well as a gallant soldier, determined 
to go to church yesterday and sec and hear for himself 
whether this rebel parson actually did neglect to read any of 
the ritual of the Episcopal church. Well, the parson did 
omit the prayer yesterday as usual, for the President and 
Congress ; whereupon a citizen in the pew with Captain 
Farnsworth, a stranger to the Captain, quietly and respect- 
fully addressed the parson as follows : 

" I request you, sir, in behalf of the government of the 
United States, to read the prayer for the President of this 
Union according to the ritual of your church, which I now 
hold in my hand, and which prayer you have omitted." 

The parson continued the service as if he had not been 
addressed ; but there was of course a good deal of excite- 
ment among the congregation. The citizen repeated his 
request in a much louder tone. It was again unheeded by 
the parson. Captain Farnsworth then said aloud and defer- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 15 

lentialy, as a christian gentleman is always accustomed to 
address clergyman : 

" Sir, I insist upon it that you read the prayer of our 
church as prescribed by its forms, for the President of the 
United States of America." 

The parson still continued the service without paying the 
slightest attention to the respectful, patriotic and in every 
way proper request of Captain Farnsworth, whereupon the 
latter gentleman directed Sergeant John A. Kinley, of the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who was present, to arrest the 
traitor on the spot. Sergeant Kinley being a young gentle- 
man of education and high breeding, having lately graduated 
at one of our leading Universities, attempted to perform his 
duty with all possible courtesy. He walked up to the pulpit 
and merely laying his hand upon the arm of the rebel parson, 
said : 

"I am ordered to arrest you, sir; you must discontinue 
your professional labors and come with me." 

The parson threw off the Sergeant's hand, struck a theatri- 
cal attitude which he had evidently studdied for the occasion, 
and got off amelo-dramatic speech, commencing : "I arraign 
you before high Heaven," cV:c., tfec, &c. Here the Captain 
stepped up with some other officers, and the reverend traitor 
was gently helped from the pulpit. An attempt was then 
made by the congregation, which was composed exclusively 
of secessionists with the exception of the military men pres- 
ent and the solitary civilian who had first requested the 
pastor to perform his duty, to create a disturbance. One 
fellow struck Captain Farnsworth — a lean, miserable looking 
fellow whom the Captain could have blown across the Poto- 
mac with one puff. (Japtain F. merely turned around to a 
friend of the man and said: "Tell that man, sir, if he uses 
any more violence I will shoot him." The fellow did not 
use any more violence. Another secessionist commenced to 
strike out near Lieutenant D. J. Haynes of the Eighth Illi- 
nois, who was standing near, when the latter, a powerful 



76 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

young man, by a single demonstration awed the rebel and 
those around him into instant submission. The parson was 
then courteously told to take off his robes, but he was deter- 
mined not to lose the opportunity he had been so long seek- 
ing of making himself a martyr, and he insisted on marching 
ttirough the streets in full canonicals to the headquarters of 
Colonel Farnsworth of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Colonel 
Farnsworth expressed his unqualified approval of the prompt 
course of his Captain, stating that the proper time and place 
for making an arrest for an act of treason is when and Avhere 
it is committed. That is sound doctrine. If a clergyman 
attempts to destroy the life of an individual from the pulpit, 
no soldier or citizen violates the sanctity of the house of 
God, by arresting on the spot the Avolf in sheep's clothing 
who uses the sacred desk for his murderous purposes ; and 
the renegade villian who would attempt to ruin a nation, to 
foster directly or indirectly a war against the industry of 
working men of America, against free labor and the liber- 
ties of the entire people of this country ; the scoundrel who 
would encourage rebellion against this our glorious govern- 
ment, is ten times more culpable than an ordinary culprit, 
and deserves more prompt and severe punishment. Not to 
arrest a man in the pulpit for desecrating it, would be sacre- 
licrious in him, who having the authority did not exercise it. 
Captain Farnsworth showed himself a christian and a patriot 
by not permitting the pulpit to be made a rostrum from 
which to preach treason. It was the reverend traitor who 
desecrated the sacred desk by his conduct. General Mont- 
gomery the commanding officer of the post, subsequently 
took charge of the prisoner and telegraphed to the State 
Department at Washington the circumstances of the arrest. 
The General received an immediate reply ordering him to 
use his own discretion in disposing of the case ; whereupon 
he set the reverend traitor free. There was quite a jubilee 
amoncT the secessionists on the release of this man Stewart." 
I will add that another of the principal actors in this scene 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 77 

was William Willard, of Company K., who, by Sergeant 
Kinley's order laid hands on the reverend man in the pulpit, 
and assisted him to rise in such a manner as to assure him 
he was in earnest. 

General Montgomery had by this time become so outraged 
that he only counted an opportunity to complain of us, and 
before long reported to the authorities at Washington that 
we were taking lumber from an old building for firewood, 
and thus destroying property. Colonel Farnsworth at once 
ordered an investigation which proved that the building had 
been injured by the rebels, and the owner of the property 
signed a certificate to that effect, further stating that our 
men had in no wise molested him or his property. 

About this time Battalion Quartermaster, C. W. Waite, 
resigned and commenced the publication of a loyal paper 
called The Virginia Chronicle, in the printing office on lioyal 
street, making use of the material already there. It was 
very liberally subscribed for by the soldiers. There was a 
rebel sheet called the Citizen, published on Prince street, 
nearly opposite Mayor McKenzie's residence, that aroused 
the contempt and indignation of all loyal hearts by its vitu- 
perous and abusive articles. One day the building accident- 
ally (?) took fire, and although hundreds of soldiers were 
standing around, they were merely spectators — none seemed 
disposed to assist in extinguishing the flames. A citizen 
came running up to an officer of the Eighty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania, who was standing by watching the progress of the 
fire, saying that " the General sent word to have him order 
every man to assist in putting out the fire." 

" Did he say every man," very cooly inquired the officer. 

"Yes, he did," replied the excited messenger. 

"Then I order you to take hold of the brakes," responded 
the officer, but by some unaccountable means the man was 
soon missing, and we heard no more of him, but presume he 
was doing his best to obey orders. The hose were cut in some 
very mysterious manner, so that it was useless, and the sol- 



78 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

diers would not work, consequently the building with the en- 
tire contents was a total Joss, and thus was silenced an organ 
of secession in Alexandria. 

General Montgomery now complained that our men were 
too far from their horses, and in a case of emergency could 
not be ready for duty in reasonable time, and, also, that we 
did not maintain good discipline, and asked to have us order- 
ed from the city to our former camp. To correct the false 
charges, and be alloAved to remain in our present quarters 
during the inclement weather, Colonel Farnsworth and 1 
went to Washington in the night to see General Sumner, 
who had been detained there on account of the injury re- 
ceived by the falling of his horse, to whom the matter was 
properly represented, also presenting a petition signed by 
the mayor and loyal citizens of Alexandria, contradicting 
the charges of General Montgomery, and saying that we 
were the most orderly regiment that had ever been in Alex- 
dria. General Sumner directed us to remain there, but du- 
ring our absence General Montgomery had obtained an 
order from General Heintzelman to have the regiment march 
out to their old camp in half an hour. This order Lieuten- 
ant Colonel Gamble at once obeyed, and in twenty minutes 
after the command was given they had their horses saddled 
and were out in line, thus proving the falsity of the charges 
against us. General M. and the rebels were thus completely 
foiled, and our boys enjoyed their triumph to the utmost ex- 
tent. 

On the morning of the 24th of February, while our regi- 
ment was drawn up on dress parade. Mayor McKenzie was 
summoned to appear in front of us ; and when that efficient 
and popular functionary made his appearance he was made 
the recipient of a magnificent gold-headed cane, presented 
on behalf of the regiment, by Colonel Farnsworth, who per- 
formed the pleasant duty in the following words : 

" Mr. Mayor : — The officers and men of the Eighth Illi- 
nois Cavalry, feeling deeply sensible of the many and con- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 79 

tinued acts of courtesy extended to them by yourself, ever 
since they left that ' horrible pit of miry clay ' where 
they were encamped, and placed their feet in your city, de- 
sire to present you with some token of their regard and ap- 
preciation of your kindness. 

They hope and intend to continue to merit your good will 
and esteem, by their soldierly bearing and orderly behavior, 
and, if opportunity offers, to show their country that the 
men of Illinois will uphold the old flag upon the Potomac, 
as well as upon the Tennessee and Mississippi. 

In this behalf, I have the honor of presenting you this 
cane, and with it the assurance of their best wishes for your 
prosperity and happiness. We know the difficulties which 
surround you here as the chief executive of this city, but 
we congratulate the city and the country upon having a 
Mayor in Alexandria who knows his duty and dares to do 
it. And when these distressing scenes shall have passed, 
we may venture to hope that this cane may recall to your 
memory a recollection not altogether unpleasant of the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry." 

Mayor McKenziewas evidently very much affected by the 
gift, and betrayed his emotion while replying to Colonel F., 
which he did as follows : 

"Colonel Farnsworth, when you sent for me this morning, 
I had no idea it was for the purpose of presenting me on 
behalf of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, your gallant regiment, 
a cane, — a beautiful one, too, — elegantly mounted, repre- 
senting the churches, the schoolhouse and log cabins. Please 
accept. Colonel, and every officer aiid private of the Eighth, 
my thanks for this handsome gift. I shall cherish it ever as 
a mark of your and their regard and esteem. 

"Soldiers of the Eighth Illinois : I was asked by the Gen- 
eral commanding the Division of which you form a part, my 
opinion of your conduct while quartered here. As an 
honest man I told him frankly, in writing, that I considered 
your behavior most unexceptionable, and that no harm could 



80 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

come to the city by your remaining here while recruiting* 
until needed for more active service. What I said was en- 
dorsed by a large numberof Union citizens. I did not go 
to the secessionists to ask their opinion, — they are too willing 
to bring reproach on Union soldiers. It seems it has given 
offense in some quarters. Whether it has or not is of little 
consequence to me. I will try and do justice let who will 
suffer. 

"No discredit shall be shown to Illinois or Illinois soldiers 
by me. The country is under too many obligations to that 
State for gallant conduct at Fort Donelson and elsewhere, to 
say anything against your regiment which I could not do 
if I would. 

Again Colonel, I thank you. Wherever the Eighth goes 
I shall look for their giving a good account of themselves 
and the patriotic State they represent." 

The cane was exceedingly heavy and elegantly executed 
and cost, we believe, over fifty dollars. There were devices 
on it representing a church, a schoolhouse, a log cabin and 
this inscription : 
"WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE 8tH ILLINOIS CAVALRY." 

A present was never more worthily bestowed than this ; 
Mayor McKenzie being one of the truest specimens of God's 
noblemen. Seldom are men placed in such trying circum- 
stances as he was, and yet by his simple virtues and 
direct honesty he satisfactorily performed the duties of his 
position, and rendered great service to the cause of the 
Union. Thoroughly hated by the secesh, he was as deeply 
respected and warmly beloved by all loyal, union-loving 
men. He was a southern born man, and few who have not 
occupied his position can appreciate the influences he resisted 
in maintaining his stand for the Constitution, the Union and 
the Laws. 

On the 3d of March another touching and interesting 
incident in our soldier life occurred, which I will record by 




RJiG.GtlNj^ i;tO;N, J.FA.R,i>^syyo^;TH 



$0 Ij-Jio^^raphmS u, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 81 

copying a letter written to a Rock Island paper by Sergeant 
Will A. Spencer, of Company F ; 

"FLAG PRESENTATION." 

" Last evening the Methodist Episcopal Church South was 
crowded to overflowing by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
the Union people of Alexandria ; the occasion being the 
presentation to the regiment of a flag, purchased by the 
Union ladies of Alexandria. The exercises were opened by 
singing 'My Country 'tis of Thee,' by an improvised choir, 
consisting of Colonel Farnsworth, Major Dustin and Adju- 
tants Ludlum and Lumbard. 

"Mr. Jefi'erson Tacy, on behalf of the ladies, then took the 
banner, (which was a most elegant one wrought of the cost- 
liest silk and finished in the most superb style,) and in an 
exceedingly eloquent and feeling speech presented it through 
Colorfibl Farnsworth, to the regiment as a testimonial of the 
respect and esteem in which the regiment is held by the 
Union ladies of Alexandria. Mr. Tacy's remarks were well 
chosen, and his earnest words were received by the boys of 
the Eighth with great enthusiasm. He said that the feelings 
of the Union men as well as those of the ladies of Alexandria, 
were heartily enlisted in favor of the brave men of Illinois, 
who had come away from their prairie homes to defend the 
Union flag and Union men here in Virginia. He was repeat- 
edly interrupted in his speech by loud and vociferous 
cheering. 

"Colonel Farnsworth, on receiving the flag, gracefully 
stepped forward, and taking hold of the staff said : 

" From my heart I thank you in the name of the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry, for this elegant specimen of the stars and 
stripes of my country. To you. Union ladies of Alexandria, 
we are greatly indebted, and we ask you to accept, from 
every man in the regiment, our most cordial thanks. We 
left our western homes to come among you, upon the soil of 
Virginia — a State glorious and great in the past, but at pre- 
sent misled by the wiles and artifices of ambitious men, into 
11 



82 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

rebellion and treason. Under this flag we have been reared ; 
its folds have protected us as a nation, it has ever been re- 
spected, honored and feared by all the nations of the earth ; 
and it will ever float, the emblem of liberty "o'er the land 
of the free, and the home of the brave," the refuge of the 
oppressed. Under this flag Kosta was taken from the pos- 
session of Austria and restored to freedom, America and 
Chicago. 

"The Colonel then in a humorous, witty, and altogether 
beautiful description, related the narrative of the event. 
Afterward he called upon the 'little boy,' John Ryan, of 
his regiment, to come forward as the bearer, at which sum- 
mons a specimen of the genus Sucker appeared on the plat- 
form, about six feet six inches high, and apparently not over 
nineteen years of age, into whose hands he entrusted it, as- 
suring them he would defend it. lie appealed to the regiment 
to know whether they would aid him, when a universal cheer 
and 'Yes' was the response. He told the audience that 
there had already been a specimen of Illinois courage and 
determination at Fort Donelson. (Deafening applause.) 
* Will you, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, do likewise ?' (Cries 
of * Yes,' and a shout that shook the whole building.) We 
left our homes to fight secession, not to handle it with kid 
gloves. Our object is to conquer, and under this flag we 
will go on to conquest. We will deal with rebellion and 
treachery as with an enemy — a hydra-headed monster that 
must be crushed — we will not deal gently and with honeyed 
words with treason. We will not coaxingly beseech rebels 
to return to their allegiance ; we will not play the good-na- 
tured old man, (referring to General Montgomery), and per- 
suade traitors to be patriots ; but will trust to our faith, and 
hands and patriotic swords to carry that flag through to vic- 
tory and peace — to our own western homes, where it will be 
kept as a memento of our appreciation of the kindness and 
patriotism of the union ladies of Alexandria.' The Colonel's 
remarks throughout, were interrupted by applause. The 



THE EiaHTfl ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 83 

choir then sung the ' Star Spangled Banner,' the whole audi- 
ence joining in the chorus. 

" Dr. R. K. Smith, a great and deserving favorite with 
the union men of this city, who was recently removed, 
through small spite, from the position of Assistant-Surgeon 
in one of the hospitals of the city, but who had just returned 
promoted to a Superintendency, where he previously occupied 
a subordinate position, being observed in the audience, was 
vociferously called upon, and reluctantly arose. He said he 
could not respond — his heart was too full ; there was some- 
thing so touching in the ceremonies — so eloquent in the 
speeches he had just heard, that he could add nothing to 
improve them. He felt highly flattered by the call, and 
would say that as a resident of Alexandria before the arrival 
of this regiment, he had seen them in sickness and in health; 
had moved among them in the streets and in the hospital, and 
had yet to find the first man he could not take by the hand 
and feel that he accosted a gentleman. Their patriotism 
and discipline ; their gentlemanly deportment, and universal 
sobriety, had made them the favorites with the ladies ; and 
in view of their earnest patriotism they were the recipients 
of that beautiful flag. They well deserved it. What was 
it? It was a beautiful emblem of something under which all 
of us had been reared. It was an emblem that was rever- 
enced by every true American, because it was the emblem 
of liberty. It was not for the flag alone the Eighth Illinois 
had come to fight, it was for that liberty of which this flag 
is emblematic. Under it they would go to battle determined 
to conquer, or fall in its defense. When they leave us the 
prayers of the donors will go with them ; their eyes will fol- 
low them in the history of their marches ; their hearts will 
weep over their battle-fields, and if, perchance, any of these 
brave men shall fall under that flag, those who were left 
would envy them their glory. Their commander was one 
who could lead them. He was known before they were 
known as his soldiers ; he had been in the councils of the 



84 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

nation, and had left that post of honor, to assume one more 
honorable. lie had taken the sword and raised a regiment 
of such men as John Ryan, from the prairies of Illinois. 
He was a small specimen of what could be done in the West, 
but they would still do more, for he knew and predicted they 
would return with a glory that would eclipse Fort Donelson. 
Let them, however, go where they might — let them be in 
camp or in the field, the prayers and the hearts of all true 
Union men and women would go with them, and from thence 
be wafted to the valleys and prairies and hills of Illinois, to 
the wives and children who had been left behind them. They 
would pray God to sustain and protect them in all their ad- 
versities — to keep them in his own right hand, and protect 
their husbands, sons and fathers, in this great struggle. 
Heaven would protect the flag primarily ; secondarily, 
the tall old gentleman from Illinois would protect, and never 
abandon it, but would speedily witness the time when all 
those who were so politely called secessionists would beseech 
us to receive them in Abraham's bosom. 

"On the whole, it was the happiest occasion the regiment 
has known since its organization, and one that the boys wil 
long remember with pleasure after the white-robed angel of 
peace shall have folded her wings over our land, and after 
the gallant band shall all have returned to till their farms in 
their own favored prairie State." 

During our stay in Alexandria the regiment was not with- 
out duty in the field. Scouting parties were sent out fre- 
quently, and some companies were out on picket duty nearly 
all the time. An extract from my diary will serve to illus- 
trate that important branch of the service : 

February 19th, 1862. — The return of our pickets 
was accompanied with some lively incidents. As a portion 
of " our boys " with a detachment of infantry were out view- 
ing the rebel lines, up the Acotink, a slight skirmish took 
place between five members of Company H and about the 
same number of secesh, who were concealed in brush near 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 85 

by. The boj^s crossed a creek, and upon approaching a hill 
dismounted while Sergeant Doud went up the hill on foot, and 
turned to descend when he was fired upon by the rebels on 
the opposite side, without effect. They then mounted and 
went back to the main body, but the rebels ''vamoosed," 
yelling at every step. One of them was seen to enter a house 
where our party had previously been to obtain information, 
— doubtless for the same purpose, — and a detachment was 
immediately sent to the house and the fellow captured. He 
was well armed, having a Sharp's rifle, a large dirk knife, a 
pistol and a superior spy-glass, besides the sabre which one 
of our troopers lost while riding through the brush. He was 
taken to General Heintzelman's headquarters, where he was 
afterwards recognized as a deserter from one of our gun- 
boats on the lower Potomac. Companies D and others went 
out towards Fairfax Court House without meeting the 
enemy. Captured two noted secessionists on whom were 
found papers with plans of our encampment, showing there 
was communication kept up between the enemies within and 
without the lines. These captures served to intimidate the 
rebels and make them more cautious about entering our 
lines. 

The country around Mount Vernon, the home and grave 
of Washington, was among the places which the regiment 
was called upon to protect. Acotink Creek was the outer 
line in that direction, and Pohick Church, memorable for 
Its associations with the Washington family, was frequently 
visited. 

On the arrival of Gen. Sumner from Washington, the field 
officers and a squadron of the regiment met him at the wharf. 
After being seated in a carriage with his wife and son, the 
squadron, accompanied by the superb band of the Eighty- 
eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, escorted him up King to 
Washington street, where the regiment was formed, in pass- 
ing which he uncovered his head, allowing the wind to sport 
freely with his snowy locks, which we had already learned to 



86 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

reverence. The regiment then conducted him to his camp 
three miles distant, "where, when we were taking our depar- 
ture, he said to the Colonel " he was proud of our appear- 
ance." That alone was more than the most eloquent speech, 
proceeding as it did from the heart of one we all loved, and 
whom we were doing our best to please. 

The Hutchinson family gave two concerts at the Methodist 
Churc , on Washington street, for our especial gratification. 
Their songs were all of a patriotic nature, and highly ap- 
preciated by us, but exceedingly distasteful to the secesh. 
This building Avas used on the Sabbath for a chapel, and our 
chaplain. Rev. Mr. Matlack, inaproved these occasions by 
teaching those purer and weightier matters of the law which all 
need, and especially those who are about to expose them- 
selves to the deadly shafts of an implacable foe. No small 
number of our men were professors of religion, and they ap- 
preciated the privilege of having a house in which to worship. 

About the first week in March, Government Detective 
Baker discovered and succeeded in breaking up a rebel secret 
society or club organized about a year previous, and arrest- 
ed twenty-seven of its members, among them the leader, by 
the name of Dangerfield, a man of great wealth and influence 
with that class of people. He was taken to Washington and 
placed in prison. 

The city of Alexandria, which had become so familiar to 
our men, with its scenes of suffering as well as amusement, 
is one of the oldest cities on the Potomac river. It dates 
its beginning back to colonial times, and its streets are nam- 
ed after monarchical fashion, viz : King, Queen, Prince, 
Duke, &c., &c., and before the war its population was esti- 
mated at 1200^', Among the objects of interest are the Mar- 
shall House, an ordinary wooden hotel three stories high, 
and now famous for being the place where Col. Ellsworth, of 
Illinois, was killed, and where Jackson, his murderer, met 
a speedy and just retribution; Christ's Church, situated on 
Washington street, and surrounded by a cemetery ancient 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 87 

and venerable, where among the old and crumbling tomb- 
stones, we observed the following epitaph. 

"Afflictions sore, long time he bore, 

Physicians was in vain, 
'Till God was pleased, death should him seize. 

And ease him of his pain." 

This is the church where General Washington worshiped, 
and although its interior has undergone many changes and 
presents quite a modern appearance, the Washington pew is 
allowed to remain unchanged. It is a square family pew 
with seats on three sides, and on the door is a silver plate 
bearing the inscription "Washington." It is a great resort 
for visitors, and during our stay in the city the pulpit was 
occupied by loyal preachers, mostly chaplains in the army. 

Situated on the turnpike leading to Fairfax Court House, 
but within the city, stands what is familiarly known as the 
" Slave Pen ;" a large brick building, or prison, with a yard 
enclosed by a brick wall some twelve or fifteen feet high, 
and over the main door in conspicuous characters you could 
read the sign of 

"PRICE, BIRON & CO., DEALERS IN SLAVES." 

Had this slave pen a tongue, what tales it could unfold of 
breaking hearts and blasted hopes, — of babes torn from 
their mother's breasts and sold in their presence on the 
auction block, — of husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, 
parents and children, torn from each other's embrace never 
to meet again on earth. But it has had its day. Never 
again shall such scenes transpire within its walls. The war 
through which we have passed has been the death knell of 
slavery and slave institutions. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Marching Orrlere— Advance of the Grand Army— Difficulties of Marching— Rebel Re- 
treat^-Woodeu Cannon— Plaint- of Manassas— The Coloners Joke— Disposal of the 
eick — Reconnoisance in force — First tight at Rappahannock Station— Men cap- 
tared— A Surgeon hides in Bed -The 4th N. Y. Cavalry's Rehel Brigade —Exploded 
Shell — A Shell story —Lieut. Hotop's adventure, and capture by the 4th N. Y. Cavalry 
—A stormy night— Return to Alexandria— Colonel Vielc and his conduct. 

March 18th we were ordered to be in readiness to march 
early next morning. It was now evident something was to 
be done. A winter of inactivity was about over — the coun- 
try had become impatient of delay — and our army, while 
lying in camp, had become reduced by disease; the adminis- 
tration had resolved upon a forward movement. Intimation 
of this determination had already been given, and thousands 
of the sick had been sent to Northern hospitals, to make 
room for those who might be wounded or disabled in the ad- 
vance. All were anxious to take part in the forward move- 
ment, although the season was inclement; and as General 
Sumner came through the city at five o'clock in the morning 
he was surprised to find our men in line, ready to move ac- 
cording to orders. He informed the Colonel that seven 
o'clock would be early enough, and promptly at that time 
we marched out to Camp California, a distance of three 
miles, with the rain pouring down upon us, wehre we arrived 
at the General's headquarters. There were congregated a 
large army, and an immense train of Wagons, with ammuni- 
tion and rations. 

We remained here for several hours, awaiting the move- 
ments of the diiferent commands, and it was not until after 
ten o'clock that the army began to march. Never shall I 
forget the appearance of that army as the men filed across the 
creek, over the plain, and up the ravine, winding among the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 89 

hills of the opposite, a serpentine column of infantry, which 
was not unaptly represented by the term " Anaconda," a 
term long since given to it from the fact of its trying to coil 
itself aroundthe enemy. 

We, too, took up our line of march in due time, as escort 
to the wagon train. The rain continued to fall most of the 
day, and the mud was almost impassable, yet we plodded 
on, ambitious to meet the rebels in their strong-hold, the 
famed impregnable Manassas. At night having traveled 
some nineteen miles, we encamped in a field, where the camp 
fires of this army made a lively scene. It was late at night, 
however, before the wagon train arrived, (part of it being 
stuck in the mud,) and we were obliged to make a supper of 
what we had in our haversacks, which was little enough. 

This, our first night out, passed without anything worthy 
of note. 

Next morning we moved forward to Sangster's Station, 
wheie we remained two nights. There we learned that the 
rebels had evacuated Manassas and were retreating toward 
Richmond. Our men were somewhat chagrined, yet believed 
it to be an evidence of their weakness, and not a strategic 
movement. On the 12th inst., about sundown, we pushed 
forward through the mud, byway of Fairfax Station, to Un- 
ion Mills, on Bull Run, where we arrived at nine o'clock P. 
M., and encamped for the night. Everywhere, to-day, did 
we find evidence of the enemy's hasty retreat. They had 
left considerable debris, and had burned some wagon and 
camp equipage, but nothing valuable remained. A slight 
skirmish had taken place between a few of the rebel Cavalry 
and a portion of the First New York Cavalry, at Sangster's 
Station, just before our arrival, in which one man was said 
to have been shot. 

Our regiment was now ordered in detachments to diflFer- 

ent parts of the field, some to General Howard, others to 

General French, and a part remained 3t Union Mills to 

guard the trains. Friday and Saturday I remained at Un- 

12 



90 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ion Mills, while the different detachments were scouting the 
country in all directions. Centerville, Fairfax, and the 
country up and down Bull Run, were thoroughly scoured 
but no rebels found, except a few stragglers and occasionally 
6ome cavalry who kept at a respectable distance. Center- 
ville, — the famous stronghold, — had its forts mounted in 
part with wooden guns, which frowned upon us very fore- 
bodingly, and served to create a great deal of amusement 
for our men. Manassas Junction, a fine and thriving village, 
had been burned to the ground and not a building was left 
standing. 

On the morning of the 14th, while encamped in a thick 
grove, Joseph Bedee of Company B, was accidentally shot 
with his own carbine. Taking hold of the muzzle to lift it, 
a small limb caught the hammer and it was discharged ; the 
ball entering the palm of the hand passing up the arm 
between the bones and out at the elbow, as the arm was 
bent. This was a very severe injury, from which, however, 
he finally recovered with a crippled arm. 

On the 15th we were ordered to return to Fairfax Station, 
as it seemed impossible to forward provisions to this point. 
The roads were terrible, — all the bridges having been burned 
between us and Fairfax, and the streams were so swollen 
that it was almost impossible to ford them. We reached 
Fairfax Station just before dark, with a terrible rain pour- 
ing down upon us and many of the men sick. Bedee and 
another injured man were put on the cars and sent to Alex- 
andria. The remainder of the sick were taken to a deserted 
house about a mile from the Station, where by tearing 
boards from the barn and fences, the windows were barri- 
caded, and fires built sufficient to partially dry their clothing. 
The regiment encamped in a grove near the Station where 
they remained all night without food or sleep ; trying by 
standing up, to expose as little as possible of their persons 
to the pelting and merciless rain. They made the best of 
of it, however, sang and shouted to keep up their spirits and 



THE EIGHTlt ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 91 

many were the jokes passed through the camp. The horses 
■without forage, stamped and pawed, and next morning were 
found standing knee deep in mud and water. 

We had sixteen cases of measles in our camp besides 
four other sick men, and more were coming down hourly 
from exposure. Sending these to Alexandria, and after 
remaining here during the day and night we were ordered 
to return to Union Mills with half the regiment. We started 
at eleven o'clock P. M., and it was so terribly dark we 
could with difficulty find the road, but we waded along 
through mud and mire and reached Bull Run at two o'clock 
at night. Next morning the remainder of the resriment 
followed. The railroad had now been repaired as far as 
Union Mills, on Bull Run, so that our forage and rations 
could be brought to that place. 

On the 17th the army forded Bull Run and advanced to 
the plains of Manassas. This country was well guarded by 
earthworks or forts, now deserted, showing that the enemy 
had been as busy as ants digging and ditching, but all had 
been abandoned without a fight. Part of the regiment ad- 
vanced beyond Manassas to General French, but the greater 
portion remained with General 0. 0. Howard. We took 
possession of the rebel huts which studded the plain by 
thousands, and made ourselves as comfortable as possible. 

From March 18th to 27th, the regiment was occupied 
scouring the country around Manassas meeting with no for- 
midable resistence. It was divided into squads, a part being 
at Fairfax Station. Headquarters were at Centerville. The 
Colonel and staff boarded with a family by the name of 
Jameson, and while here the Colonel perpetrated a joke 
which is too good to be suffered to pass into oblivion. 
Quartermaster Van Patten was anything but an abolitionist, 
while the Colonel was noted for his anti-slavery views. Yan 
Patten had a colored servant who made himself rather too 
free about the house to suit the family, who were intensely 
"southern;" persisting in drinking from the same gourd 



92 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

that the white membera of the household used, and doing 
other things which to them seemed the height of impudence. 
One of the young ladies in particular, found considerable 
fault with this servant, while she was greatly pleased with the 
Quartermaster. One day when she had been more than 
usually severe, the Colonel very coolly and nonchalantly told 
her that "it was no wonder that the negro was so bold, con- 
sidering what an abolitionist his master was." Yan Patten 
was absent at the time, and on his return they treated him 
with the utmost formality ; and although he endeavored to 
explain, they could not be convinced that he was not one of 
the worst of "black abolitionists." The Colonel enjoyed 
this greatly, for he had previously been left rather in the 
background; but now he was the "great man," while Van 
Patten was obliged to yield the field to his more favored 
rival. 

March 18th I returned on horseback to Alexandria, to 
endeavor to dispose of the patients in our hospital, leaving 
Dr. Crawford in charge in the field. Our sick in Alexan- 
dria which had been left to the care of Dr. Stull, had in- 
creased by the addition of those sent from the fiold, so that 
I found the hospital quite full, and as all the available men 
were needed at the front, we applied to the Medical Direc- 
tor for permission to send the sick to the general hospital, 
in order to relieve the hospital attendants. Dr. Porter, 
in charge of the general hospital, opposed this plan, and 
although the Medical Director gave orders to transfer the 
regimental hospital to him, he refused to obey them. 

At length we made arrangements with Surgeon Goodale 
of the Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, which regiment 
had just arrived and was to remain on duty in the city, by 
which he was to assume the control of our hospital and take 
charge of the patients. 

After remaining in Alexandria until the 26th, busily en- 
gaged in making the proper transfers, we packed up what 
medicines and hospital stores we thought we could carry in 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 93 

a one horse wagon, and started for the front accompained by 
Dr. Stull, a small detachment of convalescents and others. 
We had not proceeded far before we discovered that our 
wagon was overloaded and our horse baulky. Our driver 
also, "Biddy," alias Shipman, who had been our cook at 
the hospital, was found to be somewhat intoxicated, which 
with the baulky horse made rather a poor team. I took the 
saddle off of my horse and harnessing him to the wagon drove 
to Fairfax Court House, a distance of sixteen miles, where 
we arrived about sundown tired, and with a broken down con- 
veyance. Leaving Dr. Stull in charge, I left the command 
to spend the night with Chaplain Matlack and lady, at Mr, 
Haight's some four miles distant. The others pushed for- 
ward as far as Centerville where they encamped. 

March 27th, we expected to find the regiment at Man- 
assas, but it had moved forward that morning, and finding 
it impossible to take our supplies further we took what we 
could carry on our horses, and followed as speedily as possi- 
ble. During the afternoon we came upon the rear guard of 
General Sumner's corps, and about sundown, weary and al- 
most exhausted, joined the regiment. They had seen, and 
driven before them, a few rebels. Six of the Fourth New 
York Cavalry had been chased by some rebels, when Lieu- 
tenant Hynes took a dozen men of the Eighth Illinois, and, 
after exchanging a few shots, drove them some distance into 
the woods, and then returned. The rebels found they now 
had men to deal with of a different stamp froqa those they 
had formerly encountered. 

The regiment encamped for the night near the railroad 
station, and by morning found we had several sick men on 
our hands again, which we took to a log hut near by. 

March 28th. Now for a taste of war. To-day our cav- 
alry was ordered to take the advance, and the men were up 
early. A reconnoissance was to be made under General 
O. O. Howard. The command consisted of the Eighth Illi- 
nois Cavalry, Fourth New York Mounted Rifles, Sixty- 



94 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ninth and Sixty-first New York Infantry, ("Irish Brigade,") 
Fourth New Hampshire Infantry, and a New York Battery, 
composed in part of men from Illinois. We marched along 
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, three miles, when we 
came upon the rebel cavalry, who disputed the ground, but 
fell back as we advanced. Our boys, however, had the sat- 
isfaction of " burning some powder at them." Occasionally 
the battery would open upon them and shell the woods, when 
they would suddenly disappear, burning the railroad culverts 
and bridges, the forage, hay and wheat, as they retreated. 
Unused to war as we were, this destruction of property 
seemed terrible. As the smoke rose in vast clouds and was 
followed by the red-tongued flames, which consumed the 
sustenance so much needed by the inhabitants, it seemed to 
a certainty that the avenger was at hand. 

Our men enjoyed the day's sport to the fullest extent. 
Once, when near the Bealton Station, the rebels made a stand, 
and our army was drawn up in line of battle, but the enemy 
soon began to retreat, not daring to risk an engagement. 

On arriving near the Rappahannock we found the bridge 
and depot in flames. They had run the last train over the 
bridge and then fired it. As we approached the river, they 
opened upon us a heavy fire from a battery on the opposite 
bank to which our artillery replied, and for a short time we 
thought we should hare lively work. Our men stood undis- 
mayed and picked up the balls with as much composure as 
though they, were playthings. 

We encamped for the night in a grove about a mile from 
the river. Part of the regiment was thrown out on picket 
duty, to guard against surprise. That night there was some 
squealing of swine, bleating of sheep and cackling of poul- 
try, but the men fared none the worse for the commotion. 

Saturday, the 29th, we retraced our steps, and reached 
Warrenton Junction in the afternoon. We now learned that 
some of our men were missing. Battalion Adjutant Lum- 
bard, Sargeant-Major Rayworth, Tobey Leclare, W. W. Wil- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 95 

son and H. Crosby, having entered a house to get some re 
freshments, were surrounded, nearly in sight of our troops, 
and captured. Assistant-Surgeon Williams, of the New 
York Battery, who, with an orderly from our regiment, went 
to a private house for the same purpose, leaving the orderly 
to hold his horse, was also surprised and taken prisoner. It 
is said that when the Doctor found the rebels were approach- 
ing he attempted to hide in a bed, between the two ticks, 
but was betrayed by the lady of the house. That night it 
rained, and our cam^ in the woods without any shelter was, 
to say the least, very uncomfortable. 

The next morning the whole regiment went over the same 
ground, in order, if possible, to ascertain what had become 
of the missing ones. The men marched by battalions ; 
Major Clendennm commanding the left, Colonel Farnsworth 
the centre, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble the right. We 
learned that they had been surprised while stopping for re- 
freshments ; had fought desperately, but were overpowered 
' and captured after having one of their number wounded. 
This day's work was very hard. We traveled twelve miles 
to the river, and returned, besides scouting over the country. 
It rained nearly the whole day. 

March 31st a party of the Fourth New York Cavalry 
was sent out after forage, but soon came in with the report 
that they had encountered a brigade of rebel cavalry, who 
were coming down upon us. All hands were soon under 
arms and a part of the Eighth Illinois at once started in 
pursuit of the enemy, prepared for a desperate encounter. 
Moving cautiously, when about two or three miles from camp, 
they met a foraging party of about twenty of our Eighth 
Illinois men with bundles of hay on their horses — some tied 
so as to have a bundle on each side of the horse — others 
back of their saddles, which gave a very odd appearance to 
the group ; and these were all the " rebels" that had been 
seen. Such frights were very common and disgusting. 

One day we heard an explosion as of a cannon, in an ad- 



96 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

joining camp, followed by cries of distress. We hastened 
to the spot and found that a Dutchman had picked up an 
unexploded shell and carelessly thrown it into the fire where 
his mess were cooking their dinner. It soon exploded, se- 
verely wounding several persons. The Dutchman was so 
badly injured that his recovery Was considered doubtful. 
This accident occasioned considerable talk in camp, and one 
of the men related a case said to haye occurred in Blinker's 
command ; but I will not vouch for the truth of the story, 
which runs thus : 

" A Teutonic soldier found an unexploded shell with the 
fuse still attached, and sitting down upon it smoking his 

cigar, (wondered if the d n thing would burn) whereupon 

he touched his lighted cigar to it, and was not seen after the 
explosion." 

April 1st, "All fools' day," was passed in camp with no 
particular excitement. At night groups gathered around the 
camp fires, and many jokes were played upon unsuspecting 
individuals. At the Medical headquarters, the Chaplain, 
Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Hospital Stewards, Quarter- 
Master Bisby, Commissary Chamberlain and son, with Ship- 
man, the cook, and John liogers, the color-bearer, composed 
a lively group, and perpetrated as many jokes as though they 
were at home, at an evening party, surrounded by all the 
luxuries of civilization. Our rations were getting scarce, 
and the railroad was repaired only as far as Cedar Run, two 
miles distant ; which stream, when the water was high, was 
not fordable. Our supplies had to be brought from Catlett 
Station, and even there they were not received as fast as 
needed ; but hoping for better weather, and abundant success, 
the men seemed to look on the bright side of everything. 

April 2d, was cold and unpleasant. Another scout was 
ordered, and we went out in two parties — one under Colonel 
Farnsworth, and the other under Lieutenant Colonel Gamble. 
The party commanded by Colonel Farnsworth, when near 
the Rappahannock, came upon a squad of ten rebel cavalry, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 97 

who fired at one of our skirmishers. Pie returned the fire, 
and was at once re-inforced by five or six of his companions. 
The rebels after delivering a few shots, retreated, closely 
followed by our boys, firing at intervals. One rebel was 
evidently wounded ; he fell forward upon his horse, but again 
righted and made good his escape, though the chase was very 
closely contested. Being thoroughly acquainted with the 
country, they could take advantage of every path and by-way 
leading through the woods. In the Lieutenant Colonel's party 
Lieutenant Hotop, of Company D., had a lively time, and 
narrow escape. Being in charge of the skirmishers, and 
finding they were becoming too far separated, he went to give 
them orders to close up, when he lost his way. Taking a 
track which appeared to lead around a swamp, he was 
suddenly surprised by encountering some half a dozen rebels, 
who called on him to surrender. He gallantly refused to do 
60 ; firing four shots from his revolver at them, and saving 
two for a greater emergency, put spurs to his horse and started 
toward camp. Upon coming to the first fence, his horse 
leaped over it, but when he reached the second, he found it 
too high to scale, and was obliged to dismount and open it, 
when his pursuers gained upon him, rapidly firing as they 
approached. He now discharged his two remaining loads, 
felling one horse and wounding one rider, which checked the 
pursuit. 

While making his way into camp, he met a squad of the 
Fourth New York Cavalry, who took him prisoner, thinking 
they " had captured one of the rebel officers." The Lieuten- 
ant explained who he was, and wanted them to return and 
capture his pursuers ; but no, they were bound to make sure 
of their one prisoner, and so marched him back twelve miles to 
General Sumner's head-quarters. After hearing his story, 
the General gave the Fourth New York men a severe repri- 
mand, calling them " a set of d d fools." On approach- 
ing the railroad bridge, the rebels fired twenty-five shots at 
our forces with no efi"ect except that of amusing our men. At 
night the regiment returned to camp without loss. 
13 



98 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CA VALRY. 

April 3d, the weather was warm, and the sun once more 
blessed us with his presence. Our troops took a rest, much 
needed by both men and horses. Foragers were sent out to 
gather provender for the horses, some of which was brought 
in with teams, but more on horseback. 

April 4th, was also pleasant, and we began to feel quite 
recovered from the hard labor we had performed. Sickness 
from exposure and excessive fatigue, was telling upon our 
men. Assistant Surgeon Crawford, Quartermaster Yan 
Patten, and seven others, were sent to Alexandria, being too 
sick to remain in the woods. 

April 5th proved to be an unpleasant day. It rained, 
with cold sleet, which lasted until noon. In the afternoon 
a foraging party was sent out. Returning in the evening I 
found Colonel Farnsworth had been taken about an hour 
previous, Avith cholera morbus, and was pulseless. Not 
a moment was to be lost — that night was spent*in attending 
to his case, and the whole camp was filled with anxiety and 
fear for the result. Before morning, however, he was better, 
and we spent Sunday greatly relieved from our night of 
vigilance ; and notwithstanding our uncomfortable position, 
the Chaplain preached to a good audience. In the afternoon 
another party from the regiment was sent out to scour the 
country, south and west ; while a few of the officers and men 
paid a visit to the deserted mansion of Dr. Murray, who had 
abandoned his home and gone with the enemy, leaving his 
furniture, library, &c., to be destroyed by the troops. As 
usual in such cases, the men made free use of the library, 
taking such books as they wanted to read, and on leaving 
camp, threw them away. One day when passing the house of 
a Mr. Randolph, I saw books strewn over the fields for a 
distance of half a mile. 

About eleven o'clock P. M., we were aroused from our 
slumbers by an order from General Abercrombie, then in 
command, (General Sumner having gone to Alexandria to 
ship for the Peninsula,) for a battalion of our regiment to 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 99 

go on a scout to the Rappahannock, under command of 
Colonel Lucas, for the purpose as we understood of taking 
the rebels by surprise. The third battalion in charge of 
Major Dustin was detailed for the expedition. The party 
was composed of five companies of infantry, two pieces of 
artillery and one battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
Too independent to call on the Eighth boys as guides, the 
Colonel took the lead. After marching on the wrong road 
for a distance of three miles, and discovering that his artil- 
lery could not proceed farther, at three o'clock he ordered a 
halt, to await the dawn, at Avhich time the party again took 
up its line of march and reached the Rappahannock river 
about ten o'clock. After throwing a few shells across the 
river into the enemy's works, and seeing the rebs run like 
rats from a burning building, the return march was com- 
menced ; at this critical juncture the rain began to pour 
down upon the column greatly, fatigued, which made every- 
thing assume a very gloomy aspect. They were ten miles 
from camp, and the roads were almost impassable. Three 
companies took the lead and one acted as rear guard. 
The first named reached camp at four o'clock P. M., and the 
other company after dark. 

Before this party returned we had taken Colonel Farns- 
wortli and some twenty others across Cedar Creek, to Cat- 
lett Station, and put them on board box cars to be taken to 
Alexandria hospital, as their lives were not safe in these wet 
and stormy woods. 

April 8th was a stormy day, and I felt thankful that a 
part at least of our sick men were safe in Alexandria — espe- 
cially John II. Ehle of Company D, who had erysipelas from 
which he shortly after died. That day we received orders to 
return to Alexandria, and the camp was alive with prepara- 
tions. During the night a large number had become too sick 
to ride, and we were very busy getting them across Cedar Run 
to the railroad. The bridge over the stream had been built 
about forty feet above the water, and as it had been burnt 



100 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRT. 

by the enemy and not yet rebuilt, we were obliged to cross 
on the fallen timber which lay over the water, making it not 
only difficult but dangerous. By dint of unremitting labor 
we succeeded in getting our sick over the swollen stream, 
and returned to camp just as the regiment formed in line, 
ready to start. 

The stream near the junction was forded with difficulty, 
and we proceeded as far as Owl Run which we found could 
only be crossed by swimming. A part had succeeded in gain- 
ing the opposite shore when Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble 
gave the order to counter-march. The rains of the previous 
twenty-four houi's had increased the stream to such a degree 
that it was impossible for us to get our baggage over, and 
only with great danger the troop. Once more were our 
faces turned toward our former camp which we had left but 
an hour or two previous. The rain had now become nearly 
half snow, and the scene of a thousand horsemen floundering 
in the turbid waters, trying to ford an angry and threaten- 
ing river, is one which I never wish to see repeated. We 
reached our old camp just before dark, and found that what 
little shelter the men had provided for themselves, by piling 
up logs, sticking stakes in the ground and covering them 
with their rubber blankets, was gone, and nothing but des- 
olation greeted them. Even the poles and stakes had been 
taken and apporpriated by the troops camped in the neigh- 
borhood. 

The prospect was very gloomy indeed. The storm ceased 
about midnight, and after gathering snow to make our coffee, 
fires were built and the men sat up the remainder of the 
night to dry their clothes. Notwithstanding our desperate 
situation (which was increased by our rations being nearly 
exhausted,) when the news of the capture of Island No. 
10, on the Mississippi, was received, there was a shout of 
joy went up from our camp and we seemed to be inspired 
with new courage. Contrary to my previous determination 
not to approve of issuing whisky rations except in cases of 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 101 

great emergency, I signed a requisition for ten gallons to be 
given to the men that night. It may be as well to remark 
here that officers could obtain whisky on requisition approved 
by the commander, but the privates only by one approved 
by the Surgeon. I do not know as this was a departure 
from my settled purpose, for a great emergency had already 
overtaken us. The whisky however was so unequally dis- 
tributed that only a few obtained their portion, while some 
indulged so freely as to make themselves offensive, and my 
purpose to wait for a great emergency to again approve of 
whisky rations was strengthened. 

April 9th broke upon a suffering camp, and I fear I shall 
fail to portray the condition of the men, with nothing but 
their blankets to protect them from the tempest which was 
again raging. Weary and with scanty rations, surrounded 
by rivers that could not be forded, the sufferings of the sol- 
diers was to us a reality, and not the picture which our boy- 
,ish dreams had imagined, I will here quote from the diary 
of Dr. Stull, written upon the evening of this day : 

" This whole day the storm has continued, and the situa- 
tion of our camp is perfectly horrible. There stand the poor 
horses shivering as though they would fall to pieces, and the 
poor men, on scanty rations, must lie down in the wet and 
slop, with the covering of blankets only. My prediction 
that the Eigth Illinois Cavalry would see grief is again ful- 
filled. I went two miles to the cars and got some more of 
our sick men off to Alexandria this morning. It is strange 
what men can endure when obliged. We already have a 
sick list which is awful to contemplate. If our friends at 
home knew what we are suffering, I imagine there would be 
many moist eyes I could punish the rebel leaders severely 
now, if I had the opportunity." 

April 10th, the weather was more favorable, and Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Gamble determined to reach Alexandria by 
some means ; so starting in the direction of the turnpike 
leading from Alexandria, through Warrenton, and traveling 



102 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ten or twelve miles over a very rough and hilly road, or 
rather cattle path, we came to the pike, where we found the 
traveling good. At Broad Run we discovered the bridge 
had been destroyed and a few of us attempted to ford where 
the bridge had been. Lieutenant Chamberlain and I, with a 
few others succeeded, but some three or four became dis- 
mounted and it was with great difficulty they escaped drown- 
ing. The regiment then crossed at the mills, a short dis- 
tance below without much trouble. 

We reached the Bull Run battle-field before night but 
found the stream too high to be forded, and encamped for 
the night on that memorable ground. All around we could 
see the bones of our fallen heroes who perished on that fatal 
field. Being short of rations, there was little supper cooked 
that night, but a corn-crib was discovered which was appro- 
priated to the use of our horses, and a smoke-house well sup- 
plied with bacon furnished meat for the men. 

Next morning bright and early we took up the line of 
march for Blackburn's Ford ; but here, too, the stream proved 
to be too deep and rapid, and going down still farther we 
crossed on a rickety bridge, which had been built by troops, 
and passing through Centerville and Fairfax Court House, 
reached Alexandria about five o'clock P. M. But oh, what 
a contrast between our going out and coming in. We had 
left Alexandria March lOth, just one month and one day 
before, with high spirits and buoyant hopes ; in good health 
and well equipped. During that time we had marched hun- 
dreds of miles and endured untold hardships, and now re- 
turned jaded and worn, with about two hundred less in 
number. 

The companies were soon quartered for the most part in 
their old places, and commenced to recruit themselves and 
their horses, preparatory to being shipped to the Peninsula. 

We learned upon our return to Alexandria, that our sick 
had been most shamefully abused by the new Military Gov- 
ernor, Colonel Viele. He kept himself intoxicated the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 103 

greater part of the time, and was so abusive that his own men 
were in constant fear of him, lie went to the hospital and 
ordered men to be sent to the field who were unable to walk 
about the house ; and in every way he could, tyrannized over 
and abused them. His own Regimental Surgeon, Dr. 
Goodale, a very reasonable man, and to all appearances 
a competent medical officer, he ordered under arrest for the 
most trifling cause — or really without cause. He frequently 
attempted to exercise authority over the Eighth Illinois Cav- 
alry, which were not in his command. 

An incident, illustrating this man's military manner and 
overbearing impudence, is worth relating. Company D of 
our regiment, and the Commissary Department were located 
in large brick buildings on King street. It seemed that it 
was contemplated using these buildings for hospital purposes, 
and Colonel Viele, drunk and blustering, went there and 
ordered the Company and Commissary Chamberlain to move. 
Chamberlain reported the transaction to Colonel Farnsworth, 
who instructed them to place a guard over the premises, with 
orders to shoot the first one who should disturb them. 
Lieutenant Chamberlain requested Captain Gearhartto "send 
some of his Dutchmen, who would shoot — which was done. 
Colonel Farnsworth then wrote a note to Colonel Viele, 
telling him that " some one calling himself Colonel Viele, 
had been abusing and attempting to give orders about his 
men, and that to avoid a repetition of the offense he had 
placed a guard there with instructions to shoot the first man 
who should repeat the insult or attempt to interfere with his 
command." Colonel Viele replied that " he was Military 
Governor in Alexandria, and that he did not know Colonel 
F., or that he had any authority over the troops there." 
Colonel Farnsworth's reply to this insulting message was, 
"I command the Eighth Illinois Cavalry." 

Our men awaited anxiously for Colonel Viele to return, 
and had he done so they would have made short work of 
him ; but he dared not do it, consequently there was no 



104 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

farther disturbance. "We attributed the death of at least one 
of our comrades, Robert M. Gillett, to the ill-treatment 
received through the instrumentality of this man, and some 
of his subordinates. 

Before leaving the city, Colonel Farnsworth notified the 
War Department of Yiele's conduct, and he was soon disposed 
of, to the great relief of the soldiers and union citizens. 



CHAPTER Y. 

Embirkina: for the Peninsula— Landing at Sliipping Point — Siege of Yorktown— Tlie 
Kebels Evacuate— Our Purguit— Caut^e of Retreat— A Battle Scene— Battle of Will- 
iamsburg— Capture of Lieut. Chamber] lin and others — An Affecting Scene — Con- 
struction of a Bridge over Black (Jreek — First Battle of Mechanicsville -Destroying 
Meadow's Bridge— In fight of Richmond— The Eighth under General Stoneman— 
Tattle Hanover Court House — A Picket in the Dark — -A Dinner Party — Battle of 
^even Pines or Fair Oaks — Fl.;g of Truce — Stuart's Raid around the Army of the 
Potomac. 

It appears to have been the purpose of General McClellan 
to transfer the army of the Potomac to some point on the 
Peninsula, and approach Kichmond by that route. All 
the time Ave were scouting upon the Rappahannock, prepa- 
rations Avere being made and troops embarked for that point. 
The Potomac river was now literally filled with boats and 
thousands of troops were leaving daily, and Ave only awaited 
transportation. Our sick were sent to general hospital or 
discharged, and every preparation possible was made to put 
the regiment in good order for the expedition. In this we 
were engaged until the 24th of April, at which time we 
embarked, the field and staff oSicers on board the steamer 
"Emperor." Two steamboats, the "Emperor" and " Knick- 
erbocker, " one steam tug and twenty transports were 
required to take the Eighth Illinois Cavalry down the river; 
making quite a fleet in itself. 

Early on the morning of the 2oth, we set sail for the Penin- 
sula. That night we anchored in the Potomac near Matthias 
Point, not daring to sail Avith so many transports in tow on a 
stormy night. 

The 26th was cold and rainy, and our fleet sailed to the 
bay; here all anchored except the steamer "Emperor" 
which went as far as the mouth of the Rappahannock where 
she anchored for the night. 
14 



106 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Sunday, April 27th, we sailed at dawn. Although the 
bay was very rough we passed it in safety, and in the after- 
noon arrived at Shipping Point, where was crowded sailing 
crafts of every description ; making a lively scene. That 
night and all the next day we remained on board the boats 
unable to disembark. Tuesday the 29th, however, we 
succeeded in landing a part of the regiment, ('anal boats 
were brought up to the shore for a dock, or wharf, on which 
the provisions and stores were landed, but the horses were 
pushed into the water and made to swim ashore. The 
landing was completed May 1st. 

Shipping Point harbor is at the mouth of Clieeseman's 
Creek, and was the base of supplies for the army. All was 
bustle and activity. Hundreds of boats and tugs were con- 
tinually moving, — and the shriek of their numerous whistles 
made it seem as though some great commercial city had 
sprung up here as if by magic. That night Barny McGough 
of Company A, received a kick from a horse which fractured 
his lower jaw. The wound was properly cared for and next 
morning he was transferred to the hospital steamer, " Com- 
modore," to be sent to Philadelphia. The country is low, 
but little above the level of the bay. The water used 
for drinking came from springs that were overflowed at 
hic^h tide, and had to be procured when the tide was out. 
It was, at best, poor and brackish, and in twenty-four hours 
I could see its effects on our men, in producing diarrhoea. 
The sick list accordingly increased, and several men had to 
be put on board hospital boats in the harbor, to be sent to 
general hospital. 

It being the first of the month, and the day we were to be 
mustered for pay, our Chaplain introduced the subject as to 
how it could be accomplished. Hospital Steward, Robert 
Sill, ever ready for a joke, and very witty, at once procured 
a mustard pot from the mess-chest, and proposed that the 
Chaplain be mmtar{d) 'for pay immediately, to the great 
amusement of those present. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. lOT 

May 2d, having all safely landed, our Colonel, Lieutenant 
Colonel, Chaplain and Surgeon, paid a visit to the Head- 
Quarters of the army, which was some four miles distant 
toward Yorktown. The country was low and swampy, and 
in order to make the roads passable, they had been cordu- 
royed; that is, poles or logs had been cut and laid side by 
side across the road, thus making a log road, over which, 
wagons went bouncing and pounding ; and over jnst such 
roads our sick and wounded had frequently to be transported 
for miles. The reader who has never been in the army, will 
please recollect what a corduroy road is. 

On reaching Head-Quarters, we found the army stretching 
across this narrow peninsula, from York to James river, and 
besieging Yorktown. Long ditches, or trenches were dug 
at night in zig-zag form, in which our soldiers lay during the 
day ; in front of these were rifle-pits, confronting the rebel 
works. Above these, a man did not dare show his head for 
fear of the rebel bullets. At proper distances were forts of 
earth-works, mounted by heavy guns, between which and the 
enemy's works cannonading was kept up almost constantly. 
Every day some were wounded, and several severe skirmishes 
had taken p^.ace, but no general engagement, although daily 
expected. 

We were attached to General Richardson's Division of 
Sumner's Corps, and after reporting, dined at General 0. O. 
Howard's head-quarters. We learned that General Porter, 
in ascending in a balloon, to take a view of the enemy's 
position, came near being captured. The ropes attached to 
the balloon gave way, and the wind carried him toward the 
enemy, but a fortunate counter-current came in time to land 
him safely within our lines, after giving him a pretty g00(J 
fright. 

The night of the 3d was more pleasant than usual, and 
the enemy began a heavy cannonading which continued until 
about one o'clock A. M. Their pieces made the ground 
tremble to a great distance, and we felt that something was 



108 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

about to happen, when early in the morning it was announced 
that they had evacuated Yorktown. 

"Boots and saddles," was at once sounded, and the regi- 
ment was soon in pursuit. Our ambulances were loaded 
with the sick, who were taken to general hospital near York- 
town. As we moved forward, the day being warm, we 
found hundreds of the infantry had thrown away their over- 
coats and some other clothing, which literally strewed their 
camp ground. We approached and passed through the 
frowning earth-works of famous Yorktown, where some guns 
still remained, and hundreds of tents were yet standing, 
whose canvas shining in the sun gave the appearance of a 
comfortable camp, now deserted. The enemy had placed 
torpedoes in the sand, some of which had exploded and in- 
jured an officer and severel men, and we were warned to take 
great care in passing their works. This cowardly and in- 
human method of murder is justly befitting rebels. 

As we passed the ruins of this ancient and historic place, 
we could not fail to call to mind the fact of its notoriety. 
That here, after a war of seven years for our national inde- 
pendence, Cornwallis surrendered his army and sword to 
General Washington, a fact that will cause Yorktown to live 
in our history forever. But now how changed. In place of 
the victory for liberty, achieved on this very spot, we were 
pursuing retreating rebels, Avho were attempting to destroy 
the life of the nation, born at the surrender to Washington, 
and involuntarily the question came, " AYhen, degenerate 
sons of Virginia, the birth-place and home of Washington — 
will you fully realize you folly?" 

Passing up York river, toward Williamsburg, we could 
everywhere see evidences of their hasty retreat, though 
nothing was left of any value. It seems that so long as the 
rebel ship Merrimac, was lying at Portsmouth, our ves- 
sels dared not ascend the James river ; and rebel works at 
Yorktown and Gloucester Point, prevented us from going up 
the York. But as soon as the Merrimac, by her encounter 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 109 

with the Monitor, ceased to be a terror, and James was open 
to us, Yorktown was no longer tenable, and this hasty 
retreat proved to be a necessity, although we in our igno- 
rance, at the time thought our digging and ditching, and 
zigzag approaches in the swamps, had frightened them from 
the place ; but I digress. 

Pushing forward over muddy roads, made worse by rebel 
retreat, we came to Lebanon Church, an old brick building 
in thQ woods, at the crossing of two roads. Here the regiment 
formed for battle. The regular cavalry, with a battery, 
under General Stoneman, had taken the advance, and came 
upon the rebels about two miles from the place mentioned. 
They made a charge in which they suffered severely; the 
enemy being partly concealed in the woods. It is said that 
one of the captains distinguished himself in this fight. The 
horse of one of his men being shot down, a dozen rebels 
charged upon the dismounted man and beat him terribly. 
Seeing this the Captain charged singly on them, discharging 
his revolvers and then drawing his sabre, he actually drove 
them from the field and rescued his comrade. I can only 
account for this by supposing that the rebels had previous- 
ly discharged their revolvers, and had only their sabres 
with which to fight. 

Our regiment came to tlie ground thus contested, but 
finding it worse than folly to attempt an attack upon 
concealed batteries, and meiji posted behind trees, were 
ordered back to the point designated, to make way for the 
Infantry and Artillery which were rapidly approaching. It 
was a relief to see the tall boys of the Fifth Wisconsin, the 
rugged men of the Second Rhode Island, and the noble sons 
of New Hampshire, as they led the column. As the regi- 
ments and brigades passed on both roads with the occasional 
thunder of flying artillery, sweeping to the front, night closed 
in upon us, and we were obliged to suspend operations. 

It was Sabbath eve — but not like a Sabbath at home. The 
wounded that had not fallen into the hands of the enemy, 



110 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

had been brought to the church, where, with Assistant 
Surgeon Crawford, Hospital Stewards Sill and Stull, and the 
Chaplain, I visited them. This being our first battle-scene, 
it struck us very forcibly. Some were dying, others could 
not possibly recover, and all needed attention, but as yet, 
none of the wounds had been dressed. The surc^eon in charge, 
though a regular, and a highly educated man, had evidently 
indulged too freely in the stimulants provided by the Com- 
missary, and was blustering about doing nothing. After a 
moment's consultation, we all volunteered our services, which 
were accepted, and the entire charge being given to us, we 
went to work, and endeavored to do the best we could for the 
sufferers. 

The first attended to was Patrick Kelly, of one of the 
batteries. His leg was shot nearly off, below the knee. After 
being shot, he refused to leave his post until he had loaded 
and fired the gun again, which he actually did, and was then 
borne from the field. His leg was amputated below the 
knee. A Lieutenant DeWolfe, of Chicao-o, belonginor to a 
Regular Battery, was badly wounded. These two men bore 
their sufferings most heroically. Nearly the whole night was 
occupied in this manner, and in spite of our exertions, be- 
fore morning two had died, and one more could not long sur- 
vive. Lieutenant DeWolfe afterwardes died in Washington, 
but Pat. Kelly recovered, and his comrads purchased a 
wooden leg for him, and within a year he wanted to enter 
the service again. 

I have been particular in mentioning this Sunday's fight 
for the reason that no historian of the war, that I have read, 
has noticed it. All begin the battle of Williamsburg on 
Monday, and seem to know nothing of this battle of May 
4th, 1862. 

Monday morning was rainy — in fact, the rain fell almost 
all day. Our men had " stood to horse" all night ; only re- 
lieving each other for short intervals, and the animals had 
not been unsaddled or fed. About ten o'clock firing, both 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. Ill 

with musketry and cannon, be^an upon our left, where Gen. 
Hooker's command was stationed. It was terribly severe, 
and continued almost unabated during the day. The coun- 
try was heavily wooded, therefore our artillery and cavalry 
could do but little, and the roads were blockaded with army 
wagons for miles. 

Soon staff officers came back for re-enforcements, and 
orderlies were galloping to and fro with urgent demands for 
men and guns. One staff officer's horse was so jaded that 
our Colonel allow^ed an exchange, giving him a fresh one. 
As the battle raged in our front all kinds of stories reached 
us, — one moment it was rumored that the enemy was retreat- 
ing and the next that Hooker's men were out of ammunition. 

The battle had commenced on the left of our line, by the 
enemy's charging General Hooker's Division in large force, 
badly cutting up Sickles' Brigade. The Anderson Zouaves 
fought nobly but were compelled to fall back. One-half 
hour longer and all the line must have broken in confusion 
from lack of ammunition. As it was, one of the New York 
regiments having exhausted their ammunition, fixed their 
bayonets and took the galling fire of the enemy, — refusing to 
fallback, because this would bring destruction upon the whole 
division, and perhaps to the whole of General Heintzelman's 
Corps. Many a quivering lip asked, "Why don't Kearney 
come ?" and others catchino; the accents amid the thunder of 
battle repeated the question. 

Our artillery was useless in this part of the fight, on 
account of the timber and marshy ground, while that of the 
foe was well supplied with ammunition and mounted in three 
co-operating forts, the largest of which was called Fort 
Magruder. 

".Oh, why don't Kearney come?" The one-armed hero 
of Mexico was coming as fast as possible, but the roads were 
everywhere blockaded with army wagons so that they were 
positively impassable ; and these same wagons came near 
causing another defeat, ^sthey did at Bull Run. Little did 



112 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

we appreciate the service we were doing our country, when 
General Kearney came excitedly to our Colonel and asked 
for a company to clear the roads for him to advance. 
Captain Forsyth, of Company A, went to perform the duty, 
which was quickly accomplished by overturning wagons, 
thus clearing the road of all obstructions. 

On reaching the troops and artillery who were standing 
in the rain waiting for an opportunity to move forward, the 
Captain met an officer who he supposed was the commander 
of artillery, and notified him that " the road was clear and 
he could move forward," when to his surprise he found he 
was addressing General McClellan, — there being so little 
distinction between officers in the field, that he did not 
recoo;nize the General, althouj;h he had served with him 
during his campaign in Western Virginia. 

Very soon the noble men of the Third Maine, and (Ileint- 
zelman's favorite regiment,) the Forty-third Maine, and the 
Fifth and Eleventh Maine, came on like giants of the forest; 
and then the favorite brigade came marching as if already 
victorious ; alas ! many of them to return to their western 
homes no more ; thea the Second, Third, Fifth and Seventh 
Michigan, and lastly the Thirty-seventh New York ; 
Avhen they reached the battle-field, how they did cheer. And 
right nobly did Michigan and New York sustain the brunt 
of the battle. 

There must have been many a prayer sent up to God 
that day, that the noble men might be strong and courageous, 
and that they might be protected and saved — and many a 
heart stood still, and many a spinning wheel ceased i<:s busy 
hum on the shores of lakes Michigan and Erie. Ah ! little 
did they know of the gallant men that died, breathing the 
names of absent loved ones — little did they conjecture- the 
scene of carnage that surrounded the weary soldiers. 

The rebel cavalry had charged in strong force upon the 
Fifth Michigan, who repulsed the enemy with their bristling 
bayonets, and deployed in line and fired a deadly volley on 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 113 

the retreating cavalry. They were outnumbered by the foe 
but not out-done. The repeated charges of the Fifth 
Michigan and Thirty-seventh New York, told fearfully on 
the enemy, and at last they were compelled to break and 
run — and then what cheers ! It seemed not like the mere 
shout of the present, but as though the generations of the 
future had joined in the wild huzzas. It was heard down 
the whole line. The Irish Rifles (Thirty-seventh New York,) 
shouted in unison with the Irish Brigade, " We'll give you 
Bull Run." Then Sickles' Brigade re-formed, the Anderson 
Zouaves lying flat on the ground to fire, one hundred yards 
in front of our batteries, which were firing over them. The 
invincible Michigans shouted next to the right of the Excel- 
sior Brigade, and thus the cry was carried to the extreme 
right, where the Thirteenth Pennsylvania had turned back 
the assault of unnumbered infantry, and had borne the fire 
of the rebel cannon with the loss of but ten to twenty killed 
and wounded. The cheers which had come from the left to 
the right in front, were answered with strong emphasis by 
the Regular Reserves and Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

During the afternoon we were advanced toward the right 
of the line, to support our batteries, and although not actively 
engaged, we were under fire, and the cannon balls from Fort 
Magruder came tearing up the soil about us. Finally Han- 
cock made a charge to the right which put an end to the 
strife — the rebels gave way ; and the fighting ceased for the 
night. 

About five o'clock P. M. General McClellan and Staff" 
came up to General Sumner's headquarters, (General S. 
having been in command during the day), and was received 
with deafening applause by all who knew him — even the 
wounded and dying joined in the shouts. 

Night closed in on a weary, suff'ering army. All the 

houses and barns near our line were filled with the wounded. 

A terrible storm was raging, as if to drown the cries of the 

suffering, which many times could be heard above the howl- 

15 



114 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ing of the elements. The regiment moved back a short dis- 
tance, pitched a few tents and tried to picket the horses, but 
the poor animals having been without food for two days and 
nights, were restive, and would tear away from their fasten- 
ings and run frantically among the men, to the great danger 
of those attempting to sleep. 

Early next morning (May 6th,) we advanced over the 
battle-field and occupied Williamsburg. In passing over the 
scene of the fight the dead were seen lying everywhere. 
Judging by the marks of shot and shell, it would seem that 
no man could have survived who was in range of the fire, 
as every tree and shrub was battle-scarred. Passing through 
a dense woods, thick with undergrowth, we came upon the 
"slashings," where the trees had been cut down in every 
direction to impede our progress, and give an opportunity to 
fire from the forts, and at this point seemed to have taken 
place the most desperate fighting. I observed two Zouaves 
lying side by side where they had bravely faced death. 
They must have been brothers, for their stature, their bronzed 
faces and general appearance were enough alike to have 
been not only brothers, but twins. Friend and foe lay in 
the embrace of death, as still and quiet as though no violence 
had hurried them into the great Beyond. 

In company with Chaplain Matlack we passed across the 
field and then returned ; the fallen timber being so thick 
that we could see but a few feet on either side of us. But 
we counted one hundred and six union dead, and ninety-six 
rebels. In one place we found the corpse of a stalwart rebel 
lying behind a tree, and still clenching his gun, his forehead 
pierced by a rifle ball. The tree before him was scarred so 
thick with bullet marks one could scarce put the point of his 
finger between them. By peering around the tree from the 
position he had occupied, we counted fifteen union soldiers 
lying within easy range of his gun, none being more than 
forty-five yards distant. 

Passing by Fort Magruder and several other strong earth- 



THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 115 

works, and by rows of rebel huts, now filled with the wounded 
and dying, we soon came to the old city of Williamsburg, 
the pride and the capitol of Virginia in colonial times, where 
her House of Burgesses had resounded with the eloquence 
of noble ancesters — now a dilapidated village. We encamp- 
ed upon the common, in the suburbs of the town. 

In taking a surrey of the city, we called to mind that it 
was here that Patrick Henry thrilled the colony and the 
whole country with his patriotic appeal, in which he uttered 
these immortal words, "give me liberty, or give me death." 
The old capitol and all the principal churches were used as 
hospitals ; and we volunteered to assist in dressing the 
wounds of these suffering ones. The rebels had abandoned 
their wounded, and no time was lost in providing for their 
comfort the same as for our own men. 

While dressing the wounds of an Irishmen, who had en- 
listed at Mobile, Alabama, I asked him why he had enlisted. 
He answered that "all who refused to enlist were called 
cowards ; and he would not be called a coward, so he entered 
the army." He had no idea of the merits of the cause for 
which he was fighting. 

In a private house near by, we attended a very intelligent 
Lieutenant, (an Adjutant,) from Florida, who had formerly 
been in the employ of the firm of Doggett, Bassett and Hill, 
of Chicago. He was in all probability on his death-bed, for 
I thought his wound would prove fatal. 

On the 8th of May, Drs. James R. Wood and Ayers, 
together with several volunteer Surgeons and Chaplains, 
arrived and tendered their services. Surgeon R. K. Smith, 
Assistant Medical Director, informed me that their hospital 
stores had not yet arrived, and what to do for bandages and 
dressings, and how to provide for the men he did not know 
I informed him that the good ladies of St. Charles, Illinois, 
had provided us with a large box of bandages, which we had 
brought with us ; and that we had tents pitched where we 
could provide for the distinguished guests. And that box 



lit) THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

being opened, actually supplied the wants of both union and 
rebel soldiers, until the hospital stores for the army arrived. 
Surgeon Smith said to me afterwards that " it was truly a 
God-send to him and the suffering men." 

Surgeon James R. Wood was placed temporarily in charge 
of the wounded, and we detailed Peter C. Simmons, of Com- 
pany A, to remain as nurse ; as we were obliged to leave a 
few of our regiment, who were too sick to march farther. 
While here, it became necessary to procure some supplies 
for our horses, and Lieutenant Commissary B. S. Cham- 
berlain was ordered to go to a certain farm, supposed to be 
about a mile distant, and look for forage. lie, with his son 

Oscar, Quarter-Master Sergeant Stanley, and Ricord, 

of Company D, started to obey the order, but were attacked 
and captured by a squad of rebel cavalry. For an account 
of Lieutenant Chamberlain's capture and experience in rebel 
prisons, see appendix. 

The army remained at Williamsburg from the 5th to the 
9th of May, for what reason we could not divine ; but our 
regiment was sent out in detachments, to scour the country 
in all directions, in which service they captured several 
prisoners. The battle of Williamsburg being the first great 
contest in which we had participated, or evvm witnessed, 
many sought an opportunity to look over the battle-field, and 
in doing so an incident occurred of such touching interest, 
we think it worthy a place in our history. 

A Chaplain from Massachusetts, who hadjust arrived, was 
anxious to go over the battle-field, and in company with our 
Chaplain, Matlack, soon reached the place where the dead 
were being arranged in rows for burial. He informed Mr. 
Matlack that upon leaving home, he had promised Mrs. 
Benson, a widow lady, that he would ascertain the fate of her 
boy, Willie, and further remarked that the one he was in 
search of was an only son, beloved by a christian mother, 
and numerous friends, who were anxiously awaiting tidings 
of his safety. Mr. Matlack told him the regiment he sought 



THE EIGHTHILLINOIS CAVALRY. 117 

was performing the sad duty of burying the dead. He was 
so fearful that Willie might have met with some misfortune, 
he hardly dared to introduce the subject ; but mustering up 
courage, he first asked if their regiment had been engaged 
in the fight. 

" No, we came upon the field just as the battle closed," 
was the gratifying intelligence. 

He then told the men that he was commissioned by a widow 
lady, to look after her darling boy — the only support of her 
declining years — and that he almost feared to ask for him ; 
but as they had not been in the battle he felt greatly relieved. 

Just at this point one of the men interrupted him by 
saying : 

"Oh, we came up in time to have a little brush with the 
rebels, and one of our best men was killed." 

" The man I am looking for is named Willie Benson ; can 
you give me any information of him ?" said the Chaplain. 

" We have just buried Willie Benson ; he was the only one 
in our regiment that was shot or injured ;" and while the 
strong man who could bravely face the life-destroying fire of 
the enemy spoke, his face turned deathly pale, and in his 
eyes glistened tears. His comrades, also, were very much 
affected. How sad the tidings the Chaplain carried to the 
anxious, waiting mother — how like a thunder-bolt it must 
have struck her — she who was watching and hoping, and 
praying for his return. And is this a solitary instance of the 
blight and desolation of home circles. Alas, many — too 
many — are the hearts that are yet sore and bleeding — 
mourning in vain for loved ones that perished in the late 
conflict. 

On the morning of the 9th of May, one squadron of the 
regiment. Companies D and F, having been ordered to report 
for duty at General Key's Headquarters, we were commanded 
to advance, and for some eight miles, found the road strewn 
with broken wagons, caissons, ambulances, &c., left by the 
rebels in their retreat. We reached a place called Burnt 



118 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Ordinary and pitched our tents for the night ; but while 
preparing supper, orders came for us to go at once to the 
relief of General Stoneman, who with the Sixth United States 
Cavalry, had been skirmishing during the day. They had 
killed four or five of the enemy, and had lost four of the Sixth 
Cavalry, who were taken prisoners, and it was rumored had 
been shot after they were captured. The regiment was soon 
moving, and after the tedious march of the day, this night 
march was exhausting. Our animals had not eaten since 
morning, and we were so oppressed with drowsiness that I, 
for one, almost fell from my horse many times. Had we 
been attacked, we could hardly have aroused sufficiently to 
defend ourselves. 

We reached General Stoneman, at Slatesville, at two 
o'clock the morning of the 10th, and the General expressed 
himself to Colonel Farnsworth, as "greatly relieved by our 
presence." In fact his situation was very critical. Some 
twenty miles in advance of the army with one regiment of 
recruits, had the enemy known his weakness they could 
easily have annihilated his little band of patriots. 

When we arrived we found General Stoneman and staif 
lying rolled up, each in his blanket, with small fires burning 
near ; and imitating their example we had a short nap before 
morning dawned. 

May 10th we moved forward to New Kent Court House, 
and after a short halt, again started in pursuit of the enemy. 

The regiment was now divided into two columns. One 
under Colonel Farnsworth, moved directly forward, and 
when about two miles from New Kent came upon the enemy. 
As the column was ascending a hill, through a wooded 
ravine, the rebels opened fire upon us. A shell exploded 
just at the head of the column, the pieces being scattered 
among the men like hail, and one large piece passing over 
the heads of the men the whole length of the column ; Adju- 
tant Giflford's fine horse was shot under him. Immediately 
our men deployed and began skirmishing through the woods; 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 119 

when the enemy limbered up and made good their retreat. 
Having accomplished our object in finding out their position, 
we returned to camp at New Kent. It was really amusing 
to witness the animation of our men when they came in sight 
of the enemy. 

The detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble moved 
in the direction of Bottoms' Bridge, on the Chicohominy. 
They also encountered the foe and did some lively fighting 
but with no loss on either side, the rebels retreating as our 
men advanced. Night found us in camp at New Kent. 
Here the old court house was still standing, (though in a 
dilapidated condition,) where Patrick Henry made his cel- 
ebrated " beef speech." We stood on the same rostrum, and 
some of our men repeated extracts from that famous speech 
from the same stand occupied by that illustrious statesman. 

Sunday, May 11th, was spent in camp by some, while a 
part of the regiment were sent to the front, and waked up 
the rebels batteries again. Sunday eve. Chaplain Matlack 
preached an effective sermon. 

Monday 12th, we remained in camp until night, when we 
marched two and a half miles to Cumberland, on the 
Pamunky river, and the next morning up the river seven 
miles to the celebrated "White House," the famous home of 
that enchanting widow, Mrs. Martha Custis ; afterwards Mrs. 
Washington. All of this country was full of historic interest. 
It was here that Washington first met the fascinating widow, 
when on his way to Richmond, on military duty, wooed and 
won her. This house which was the scene of this courtship, 
had been so repaired and changed that little of its former 
appearance remained. It stood on the right bank of the 
Pamunky river, surrounded by a large, fertile and highly 
cultivated plantation, and was owned by a son of General 
Robert E. Lee. The estate was then in charge of a Major 
Lee, of the regular army ; a descendent (a nephew I think,) 
of the rebel General who was then at this plantation. We 
encamped in a clover field, and having some sick on hand 



120 THE EIGHXn ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

applied for the house to use as a hospital, but received a 
peremptory refusal from Major Lee. 

We had not been in camp long before our men moved out 
against the rebel cavalry, who could be seen on the adjacent 
bills, watching our movements. Our men being deployed in 
skirmishing orders, came to a fence and ditch, (which, by 
the way, are very common upon Virginia plantations), and 
when attempting to jump the ditch the horse of Sidney Ses- 
sions, of Company L, fell ; and his carbine exploded, the 
contents entering his body, killing him almost instantly. His 
remains were brought back to the White House, a rude coffin, 
the best that could be made, was provided, and he was buried 
by his comrades, on the banks of the Pamunky, a few rods 
from the house, under a noble tree. I saw a notice in a 
New York paper, written by a correspondent in Grant's 
army two years after the time of this accident, stating that 
they camped on this very ground, and particularly noticed 
this grave with the head-board, marked as we had left it. 

The infantry were now coming up by thousands, and cov- 
ering the vast plain bordering the Pamunky. On the 1-lth 
we moved forward two-and-ahalf miles. We scouted as far 
in advance as Black Creek, a small but deep stream, over 
which both the bridges on the railroad leading from West 
Point to Richmond, and the wagon-road bridge, bad been 
destroyed by the retreating enemj. Here we remained until 
the 17th, when we moved forward two miles farther. Gen- 
eral McClellan and staff arrived at the White House on the 
16th inst. Our long delay in this locality was to us a great 
wonder, and in company with Colonel Farnsworth I went to 
General Stoneman's headquarters, and there learned, to 
some extent, the cause of our detention. The bridge over 
Black Creek having been destroyed. West Point engineers 
had taken a survey of the spot — its bearings and distances — 
had made a profile view of the structure to be erected, with 
proper estimates, etc. ; had even re-surveyed it, and sent their 
estimate to headquarters for approval, which had consumed 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 121 

much valuable time, and was likely too ccupjmany days more ; 
while this immense army was waiting to cross the stream. 

"I expect they will be ready to commence work to-mor- 
row," said General Stoneman. 

" I can take a few of my men and construct a bridge in 
half a day," remarked Colonel Farnsworth. 

" Will you do it ?" said Stoneman. 

'' I will, with your permission," was the reply. 

"You can have a detail of all the men you need," said 
General S. 

" I want no detail but my own regiment," replied Col- 
onel F. 

In this brief manner the question was settled, and early 
next morning a small squad of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry 
went to work, and in two hours and a half constructed a 
substantial bridge of logs across the stream and at once 
crossed over, and soon captured a prisoner. General Stone- 
man crossed, and then dispatched a messenger to General 
McClellan, stating that he was " beyond Black Creek, and 
was moving forward to Richmond." Soon after the bridge 
was built the engineers arrived on the ground, and were 
highly incensed that they had not the privilege of erecting 
the structure. The whole army train crossed without diffi- 
culty, no change being made except to build a staging 
in the middle, as the stringers were so long that the bridge 
would swing too much. I mention this incident to illustrate 
the fact that much of the delay in the movement of the 
troops was due to a want of tact or aptness in the officers 
to do things in a rational manner. In army parlance there 
was too much "red tape." 

That night we encamped on Dr. Webb's farm, and on the 
19th again advanced some six miles, (all the time driving the 
rebel cavalry before us,) to Coal Harbor, in newspaper and 
army reports erroneously spelled Cold Harber, which is noth- 
ing but a country tavern, at a cross-roads. The First Bat- 
talion, under Major Clendennin, some few miles to the right, 
16 



122 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

near the Pamunky, captured two loaded teams and eighty- 
five mules and horses, and brought them safely into camp, 
with not a few negroes, who fell in with the train. One 
negro, called Joe, witnessed the capture and at once left his 
team and plow standing in the furrow, and came with the 
others. He was very tall, and his clothes were patched 
with cloth of so many colors, that the original garment could 
not be determined. He danced for joy at the idea of being free, 
and his demonstrations were so ludicrous that he attracted 
the attention of all beholders. In this portion of Virginia 
the better, or more educated whites had either left their homes 
out of fear, or were in the rebel army, and the poor and 
ignorant who remained, were truly objects of pity — ignorant 
in the extreme and untruthful in their representations, while 
the negroes, although nearly as ignorant, always gave us the 
best information in their power. At one house where we 
called for a drink of water, a poor old lady asked us "if we 
had actually come to take away all their niggers, and kill 
all the white folks?" Poor, simple woman, she had lived 
half a century and had never been ten miles from the house 

she then occupied. 

Our teams and ambulances having been left behind, we 
encamped for the night without even blankets ; pickets were 
thrown out in all proper directions, as we were far in advance 
of the army, and had reasons for being doubly cautious ; fires 
were built, the horses picketed, and some rails laid on frail 
crotches stuck in the ground for a partial protection from the 
night air. The Chaplain and Medical Stafi" crept under them. 
It was no uncommon thing for horses to get loose and endan- 
ger the limbs and lives of the soldiers, by running over them. 
Falling asleep with this thought uppermost in his mind, the 
writer dreamed that a horse was upon him, and spi'ang to his 
feet striking his head against a rail which supported the 
others, thus bringing down the whole rail tent on the sleeping 
victims. For a few moments, consternation seized them, but 
no one was seriously injured, and order being again restored, 
a little sleep was obtained. 



THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 123^ 

May 20th, as \ye had taken the advance heretofore most of 
the time, to-day the Sixth United States Cavalry (a new 
regiment,) moved out first. They neglected the precaution 
we had observed of throwing out skirmishers, but moved down 
the road through a dense forest, towards Gaine's Mill, where 
they were fired upon by the rebels. Some were killed, and 
several severely wounded. Our regiment advanced to the 
scene of the conflict, and encamped near Gaines' Mill. 

On the 21st, Companies E and K, had a lively skirmish, 
which resulted in driving the rebels farther toward Richmond, 
We now had a number of sick on hand, and Hospital Steward 
StuU was sent, with an ambulance and eight patients, back 
to White House, where a hospital had been established. We 
remained here awaiting the arrival of the infantry, until the 
23d, when General Smith's Division having come up, we 
again moved toward Richmond. We advanced without much 
opposition to Beaver Dam Creek, within six miles of Rich- 
mond, when a rebel battery opened fire upon us very lively. 
For a few minutes things looked rather serious, as the shells 
came thick and fast ; but the fences Avere soon thrown down 
on either side of the road, the regiment formed in line of 
battle, the artillery brought forward, and in ten or fifteen 
minutes the rebel batteries were silenced. ( )nr men stood 
to horse, in line of battle, all that night. 

BATTLE OF MECIIANICSVILLE. 

Early on the morning of the 24th, an advance was made 
upon Mechanicsville, which, by the way, is a small town five 
miles from Richmond on the north side of the Chickahominy, 
and half a mile distant from the river. Here several roads 
converge into one grand turnpike, which leads to the city. 
Its name is supposed to be derived from the fact of its great 
superiority in mechanic arts ; for most of the towns in this 
part of the State contain only one blacksmith shop, but this 
one actually had two, besides several other houses. The 
enemy made quite a stand at this village, but were vig- 
orously shelled by our artillery. The firing was so severe 



124 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

that many houses were completely torn to pieces. The rebel 
aim was also very accurate. One ball passed through the 
ranks of Company L, shattering the left elbow of Corporal 
Samuel Dodge, carrying away his haversack, rubber blanket 
and the pommel of his saddle, and breaking his pistol in the 
holsters, buried itself in the ground near by. 

The Second Battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, 
under Major Dustin, supported both flanks in this battle, 
and the remainder of the regiment were actively engaged 
in performing picket duty. After the rebels were driven 
across the river, Captain Rapelje, with Company I, under- 
took the perilous task of destroying the turnpike bridge. 
He succeeded in reaching the river, and four men, John J. 
Gosper, Albert Gorty, Erastus Wright and Aaron W. Chase 
volunteered to destroy the bridge, which they did successfully 
by chopping off the timber which supported it, being all the 
time in easy range and under the fire of the enemy's guns. 
For the skill with which he handled his company, and the 
darin<T displayed by the officers and men, he deserved and 
received due credit. The same day the First Battalion 
encountered the rebel cavalry some two and a half miles 
north of this point, and in the engagement one rebel was 
killed and several wounded. They also destroyed portions 
of the railroad and burned the bridge. The rebels began to 
stand in great fear of our carbines, as they had none so 
efficient. 

Early that morning the Fourth Michigan had a severe 
fight across the Chickahominy, a few miles below us at New 
Bridge, in which they chastised the "Louisiana Tigers" 
most terribly. We saw many of the wounded, and it is a 
remarkable fact that most of them died ; the mortality among 
them being almost unprecedented. We were now within 
sio^ht of the spires of Richmond, and only five or six miles 
distant.. The Chickahominy river was the dividing line 
between the two armies, our cavalry protecting the right, 
and our pickets extended up the Chickahominy and railroad 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 125 

to Hanover Court House, and thence toward the Pamunky. 
We now took possession of Walnut Grove Church for a 
hospital, where our sick were comfortably cared for. During 
this time since the 10th inst., Companies D and F, who were 
detached from the regiment and reported to General Keys, 
had seen service in another part of the field. They had been 
scouting, skirmishing and doing Orderly duty, and had therefore 
seen the movements of the left of our army. On the 11th, 
a part of the squadron went out on a scout and captured 
fourteen rebels, without losing a man. On the 13th, General 
Key's Division reached Xew Kent Court House, where they 
remained three days, at which time, fourteen men of Company 
D were ordered to report to General Casey. Among the 
number, was A.. P. Thoms. This service gave them an 
excellent opportunity of knowing the movements of the army, 
as they were employed in carrying dispatches to all parts of 
the command. This portion of the army advanced to the 
Chickahominy, and to the left of the York River Railroad 
Bridge. On the 20th, quite a lively skirmish occurred at 
this bridge, when General Casey's infantry and artillery 
drove the enemy from the bridge so rapidly that they failed 
to destroy it completely. On the 23d, another advance was 
made, and some severe fighting took place, and the rebels 
were forced back beyond Savage Station. On the 24th the 
fighting was renewed. 

While leading his men in the thickest of the fight, Gen- 
eral Kegley had his horse shot, and immediately mounted the 
gallant steed of A. P. Thoms. This time the rebels were 
driven as far as Seven Pines, near Fair Oaks, only seven miles 
from Kichmond. The enemy were finally forced back to 
within five or six miles of their Capitol, and the army set to 
work felling trees and erecting works of defence, to strength- 
en their position. 

At this time our right, which was held by the Eighth Illi- 
nois and other cavalry, was posted as heretofore stated, and 
our left rested on White Oak Swamp. The main body of 



126 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

the army was near the center of this line ; General McCiel- 
lan's headquarters were on the northwest side of the Chicka- 
hominj, while Generals Keys, Casey and others, were located 
on the south side. The stream, winding through heavy for- 
ests and swamps, east of Richmond, from a northwesterly to 
a southeasterly direction, formed the respective fronts of the 
two armies, as far as New Bridge, where our line crossed it, 
thus making the line of the main army, from northwest 
to southeast, about ten miles in length, besides the ca.valry 
on each flank, which extended many miles farther. Across 
it ran seven roads in the following order : The Brook Turn- 
pike, the Mechanicsville turnpike, the ISTine Mile road, York 
River R. R., the Williamsburg road, the Charles City road 
and the Darleytown road. 

On the 27th of May a force, under command of General 
Fitz John Porter, moved up on our right toward Hanover 
Court House, w^hile the Eighth and others, under General 
Stoneman, went in the same direction in supporting distance. 
About 4 o'clock p. m.. General Porter's command met the 
enemy near Hanover Court House, and a desperate battle 
was fought in which we did not participate. We, however, 
came upon the rebel cavalry, and on reaching the railroad 
captured and destroyed a train of cars. The train was try- 
ing to make its way from Hanover to Richmond ; but when 
the men found themselves within our grasp they abandoned 
the cars and took to the woods. We took possession, run 
the train up the road as far as we wished to reconnoitre, and 
then returned and set it on fire. 

It was nearly dark, but having destroyed the Virginia 
Central Railroad at this point, it was thought desirable to 
pass over to the Richmond & Potomac road some ten miles 
distant and destroy that also, so as to interrupt communica- 
tion with Richmond from the north. But we had no guide 
who knew the way, and as it was known that the rebels were 
on the alert, guarding against this very movement, it was 
considered a very perilous undertaking. However, General 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 127 

Stoneman's order that it be attempted must be obeyed, and 
the regiment advanced through pitchy darkness, without 
guide or compass. It had gone but a short distance when 
the vanguard came upon the rebel pickets. In order that 
the movement might be conducted as secretly as possible, 
orders had been issued not to fire, but if possiblo to capture 
any pickets they might encounter. George Gould and John 
Vincent, of Company K, were in the advance, when a picket 
demanded : 

" Who comes there ?" 

"Friends," was the reply. 

" Dismount, advance and give countersign," was the next 
command. 

Our men were in a dilemma. They dare not fire, on ac- 
count of their orders, and they were too far in advance of 
the column to receive support. Their only hope was to keep 
the picket from firing or giving the alarm, until their com- 
rades came up ; but delay to comply with the first order was 
dangerous. Seeing our men hesitate, the picket again de- 
manded them to dismount and give the countersign, or he 
would fire. By this time some of their picket reserves had 
approached, and they fired upon our men and then ran to 
the reserve station. One ball took efi'ect in the shoulder of 
George Gould, producing a severe wound. This aroused 
their whole camp, and the command was obliged to return 
satisfied that a more dangerous or inconsistent attempt to 
destroy a railroad had never been undertaken. 

Having failed in this we returned a short distance and 
encamped for the night, which, by the Avay, was rainy and 
very unpleasant. Our relaxation from labors, consisted in 
the men keeping their horses saddled and themselves ready 
to mount and fight at a moments notice. I think that 
nothing but the darkness of the night prevented our foes 
from attacking us immediately, as we were a small squad 
many miles from the main army on roads very muddy, and 
encumbered with a section of artillery which we could not 



128 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

use in that timbered region. Early next morning we 
returned to a cross-road and rested. We had some prisoners 
at this place that our men had captured the day before. 
The manner in Avhich they were taken I do not recollect, 
but I know there was great gallantry displayed, which 
formed the topic of conversation in the regiment. 

While we were stopping here, the prisoners taken at the 
battle of Hanover, (some six hundred in number,) were 
marched past. Colonel Farnsworth asked one of them, an 
Irishman, how he came to be in the army, and what he was 
fighting for. He answered that " he was fighting for the 
men that pushed him into it." This is all he appeared to 
know of the merits or demerits of the cause in which he had 
risked his life. Wc remained here until the next morning, 
while the troops who had fought at Hanover returned to 
their former camp, and on the 29th we returned, via Mechan- 
icsville, to a camp one mile from Walnut Grove Hospital. 

Our regiment now guarded the right wing of the army 
for ten miles along the Chickahominy and Yirginia Central 
JRailroad, having picket stations and reserves at various 
points. 

On the 31st of May and 1st of June, was fought what is 
known as the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks ; on the 
south side of the Chickahominy between Bottom's Bridge and 
Richmond, and within six or seven miles of the latter place. 
The ground was low, flat and heavily timbered. On the 
morning of May 31st, Major Beveridge crossed the Chicka- 
hominy to take command of his battalion on that side of the 
stream ; but before joining his men he heard rapid firing, 
and hastening forward discovered General Casey's men fall- 
ing back before an impetuous attack of overpowering numbers, 
and General Keys advancing to their support. He reported 
to General Keys, and was directed to keep his men well in 
hand and as near him as possible. Already many of the 
Eighth were actively engaged. Lieutenant Granger of Com- 
pany F, was Aid-de-camp to General Keys, and A. . Thom^ 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 129 

and several others were acting as orderlies. Companies D 
and F soon found their camp invaded by Casey's retreating 
division, and the enemy's shells were falling and bursting 
among them. From this time the battle raged with great 
fury, and the part the Eighth took was mostly in the dis- 
charge of duty as aids. They were everywhere in the fight, 
and were highly complimented by Generals Keys, Negley 
and others. The remark was made by a reporter that ''the 
Generals were aids for the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

Company D lost one man killed, and Corporal Love of 
Company F was severely wounded. Major Beveridge, 
Captain Cleveland, Captain Gearhart and their Lieutenants, 
displayed undaunted courage and bravery and well deserved 
the praise so liberally bestowed by their superior officers. 

In this day's battle Companies D and F lost all of their 
camp equipage, extra clothing, blankets, &c. We will not 
attempt to describe the struggle. The ground was fought 
over and over again, lost, then regained, until night closed 
in upon another of those terrible battle scenes of this des- 
tructive war. It was the Williamsburg scene embellished 
if possible with greater horror. 

The men lay upon their arms that night. Before dark 
however, reinforcements arrived from the north side of the 
Chickahominy, General Sumner in command, and when the 
next morning the enemy attempted to turn our right at 
Fair Oaks Station, they were repulsed, and the second day's 
fight resulted in advantage to our side. This battle caused 
terrible slaughter, and delay in our prospective advance on 
Richmond. Our reported loss was 5739 in killed, wounded 
and missing. Among the wounded was General O. O. 
Howard who lost an arm. The enemy admit a loss of 4233. 

On the 2d and 3d of June I made an ascension in the bal- 
loon "Excelsior," near Mechanicsville. Cannonading was 
kept up on both sides, though the army held, substantially, 
the positions occupied before the battle. We could look 
down on Richmond, having, at the distance of five miles, an 
17 



130 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 

excellent "bird's eye view" of the rebel capitol ; but I 
became convinced that balloons could be of little service in 
this timbered country. The camps of the confronting armies 
could be determined by the smoke of their fires issuing 
through the trees, which with their dense foliage entirely 
obscured the movements of those below. Hundreds of 
thousands of troops could be moved for miles without being 
discovered from the balloon. However, it was an agreeable 
but expensive pastime ; and Captain Allen promised to let 
me have another airy flight when we entered Richmond, 
which we were daily expecting to do, but which pleasure we 
were forced to forego. 

Many of the incidents connected with picket life on the 
Chickahominy were very amusing, as well as instructive. 
.The inhabitants who had ventured to remain on their farms 
were opposed to dealing in United States currency, known 
as "Greenbacks," but would readily dispose of anything 
they^had to spare for Confederate notes. By some means, I 
know not when or how, our boys became possessed of a con- 
siderable sum of currency of this description, with which 
they carried on quite a lively trade with the country people. 
They purchased butter, giving from a dollar to a dollar and 
a half per pound in Confederate currency, and chickens, 
ducks, geese, turkeys, etc., were to be had at like exorbitant 
prices ; and when southern money was wanting, there seemed 
to be little lack of these commodities. One day some oflScers 
from another camp called upon Colonel Farnsworth and 
dined with him in the usual way. A few ponchos spread on 
the ground served for table and tablecloth, but when the 
guests were seated, a la Turk, chickens, roast pig, honey, 
butter, etc., were brought forth, to the utter astonishment of 
the visitors. They remarked that they had no such fare 
in their camp, and wondered how he obtained these luxuries. 
The Colonel replied that he had learned one important lesson 
from the Scriptures which he religiously observed. He did 
not know that he could quote the text correctly but the lesson 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 131 

was this : " Eat what is set before you, and ask no questions, 
for conscience' sake." 

On another occasion Company K, (Captain E. J. Farns- 
worth,) being on picket, an invitation was sent to camp for 
several of the officers to visit the picket post. On their 
arrival they found the Captain's headquarters in an eleg&nt 
mansion, which had been deserted by the owners — the colored 
people preferring to remain and take their chances with the 
Yankees. The guests were ushered into the splendidly fur- 
nished parlors, and after a short time were invited into the 
dining hall, where the table was groaning under its weight 
of luxuries. Colored waiters were in attendance, as in the 
most fashionable hotels, and one course after another was 
served. The china was of the most exquisite pattern, and 
silver spoons, forks, etc., in abundance. After the substan- 
tials were dispatched in the most approved style, the dishes 
were removed, and the waiters brought from the cellars some 
of the rich old wine, such as Virginia planters usually keep. 

After dinner an elegant carriage, with silver mounted 
harness, was brought to the door to escort the guests to the 
picket posts. Could the old rebel — the owner of this splen- 
dor — have looked in upon our party, either at the table, or 
in his fine, family carriage, I think he would have cursed 
the Yankees more bitterly than ever. 

The following incident will illustrate the opinion General 
Sumner entertained of the daring and intrepidity of ''oiu- 
boys :" 

A Lieutenant commanding a New York Battalion reported 
to him for duty — when the General ordered him to the front 
— and if possible ascertain the position of the enemy. 

" How far shall we go ?" inquired the Lieutenant. 

" As far as you dare go, and you will find the Eighth 
Illinois miles ahead stealing horses," was the General's reply. 

On the night of June 3d the enemy made a demonstration 
on the left of our army which was commanded by General 
Keys. The fighting was severe, and a part of the Eighth 



182 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Illinois was under fire, but no casualties occurred. The 
rebels were repulsed and the lines remained as heretofore. 

Our hospital at Walnut Grove Church was at this time in 
charge of Assistant-Surgeon Crawford. Peter C. Simmons, 
of Company A, who had been left as nurse at Williamsburg, 
having returned to the regiment, was noAv acting as nurse at 
this hospital. He gave a glowing account of the attention 
paid him by the officers at Williamsburg, where he was chief 
nurse of a hospital. lie had a colored servant assigned him 
while there, who blacked his boots, and gave him so much 
personal attention, that his natural dislike for the colored 
people seemed to have been lessened. At Walnut Grove 
Church occurred an incident too good to be lost, which, in 
the end, proved almost a tragedy; and from which circum- 
stance can be traced the loss of his life. 

Captain Hooker had a colored servant boy who was taken 
sick in camp and sent to the hospital in the evening. The 
mosquitoes being very troublesome, no more candles were 
kept burning than Avere absolutely necessary to give medicine 
and perform other duties. Simmons took the boy in chai'ge, 
not knowing he was a negro, undressed and washed him 
thoroughly, put on hospital clothes and placed him in a 
bunk, made by putting together two benches with backs, 
which served as pews in the church, and filling them with 
straw. During all this proceeding, in consequence of the 
darkness, he did not discover that his patient was black ; 
but when he came to administer a dose of medicine by a 
lighted candle, the fact was revealed that he had washed 
and dressed a dirty negro boy. He became enraged and 
declared he " would not attend upon or give medicine to a 
nigger." In consequence of this he was returned to his 
company, and during the retreat to James river was captured, 
taken to a rebel prison where he was detained for many 
months, suffering great privations, but was finally exchanged 
and reached the parole camp at Alexandria Virginia, greatly 
broken down in health and spirits. After considerable 



'THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 133 

detention he was discharged, but soon after died in a hospital 
in Washington City. 

Nothing of interest transpired for some time. We were 
in daily expectation of marching into Richmond, and 
wondered why we delayed so long. The northern news- 
papers, among which the New York Herald was most con- 
spicuous, were brought daily to camp by news-dealers, and 
sold at prices ranging from ten to twenty-five cents each ; 
the monopoly of this trade being given to certain individuals 
who, it was said, supplied the headquarters free of charge, 
but made thousands of dollars out of the soldiers. These 
papers kept the men excited with rumors of an advance, 
which in their eagerness to occupy the city they readily 
believed, although the accounts of the fighting which took 
place they knew to be, in most cases, altogether erroneous. 

On the 10th of June we visited the Third Battalion at 
Fair Oaks, where Captain Cleveland and some of the men 
were unwell. In company with Major Beveridge, Captains 
Gearheart and Hooker, we visited the battle ground of Fair 
Oaks. Hundreds of the rebel dead lay rotting above ground, 
which was literally covered with maggots crawling in all 
directions for more than half a mile, and the stench that 
arose from these putrid bodies was almost beyond endurance. 
And yet a part of our army were on duty and encamped 
upon the ground. After the battle, the rebel prisoners were 
sent out under guard to bury their dead ; but instead of 
doing it properly, they merely threw a few shovelfuls of 
dirt over each corpse where it lay, and the heavy rains which 
prevailed soon washed this away. In one place, on a piece 
of ground not more than eighteen or twenty feet square, lay 
eighteen dead bodies partly uncovered, with the flesh falling 
from the bones and crawling with maggots. One still 
grasped with his bony hand the ramrod with which he was 
loading his gun when he was shot. This we pulled from his 
hand and brought home as a memento of the terrible scene. 
While we were viewing the battle-field the rebels, probably 



184 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

thinking we were a party of officers on a reconnoisanee, 
opened upon us, sending several cannon shots into our camp, 
but no one was injured. 

On the 13th inst., a flag of truce party went through the 
lines to carry dispatches to the enemy, which was no uncom- 
mon occurrence. Having a curiosity to see them Within 
their own lines we accompanied the party. Lieutenant 
Sumner was the bearer of dispatches, and Captain E. J. 
Farnsworth, Lieutenant Colonel Gamble, Major Clendennin 
and myself, with ten or a dozen attendants composed the 
party. After passing our pickets, a Sergeant and Corporal 
were sent about ten rods in advance of us bearing the flag 
of truce, (a white handkerchief tied to a stick about five 
feet long.) When we had advanced about a mile beyond our 
picket line, we observed a troop of cavah'y off to our left 
some half a mile. We continued to advance, and when 
within hailing distance were commanded to halt. The flag 
bearers Avith our Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Sumner 
and others, went forward to meet the rebels, when lo, they 
proved to be a party of the Sixth Regulars who were out 
scouting. It was a pleasant surprise and no damage done. 
We continued our march and in due time arrived upon the 
neutral ground, Hughes' Corners. There we met two rebel 
Captains, Captain Waller of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, 
and Captain Rice of Cobb's Georgia Legion, with a number 
of attendants. The rebels were rather morose, but a courier 
was dispatched to their General with the documents, and after 
imbibing (a few times,) the contents of a canteen which was 
passed around freely, and discussing matters and things 
generally, they all shook hands and parted, apparently 
friends, yet ready to slay each other in battle at the first 
encounter. Such is war, and such the usages of civilized 
society. 

On the 13th of June the rebels performed a feat, which 
for daring and gallant action, is unsurpassed in the history 
of the rebellion. Our regiment was on the extreme right of 



I 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 135 

the army, and had been performing the arduous duty of 
picketing ten miles of the line, along the Chicohominy, and 
extending from thence toward the Ir'amunky river. The 
remainder of the distance, some eight or ten miles to the 
Pamunky, had been left open. Our Colonel, and also Gen- 
eral Stoneman, had urged those in command at headquarters 
to have this gap filled, giving as a reason, that the enemy 
might come round in our rear and do great damage. Three 
days in succession General Stoneman made written state- 
ments of the case, and twice received the promise that Gen- 
eral Cook would send out pickets on our right to communi- 
cate with ours, and fill up the vacant place, but he did not. 
So the rebels took advantage of this neglect, and sent out a 
strong force from Richmond around our right. Some two 
thousand cavalry, three cannons, and several regiments of 
infantry. They came across four companies of the Fifth 
Regular Cavalry and cut them to pieces terribly, killing and 
wounding a large number. They burnt a train of wagons, 
and three schooners on the Pamunky river, set fire to the 
railroad bridge in the rear of General McClellan's grand 
army, destroyed the telegraph wire, took sixty prisoners, 
and '"played smash generally," and then went on their way 
rejoicing. All this occurred through sheer neglect ; the 
danger having been pointed out by Colonel Farnsworth and 
General Stoneman for many days before. 

After this event our regiment continued doing picket duty, 
and occasionally going out in scouting and foraging parties, 
but nothing of note transpired until the 26th of June. On 
June 22d, Robert Fish, of Company L, died of typhoid 
fever, and Dr. Stull lay very sick of the same disease. In 
our march up the Peninsula, we had captured a good milch 
cow, which had supplied the hospital with good, fresh milk, 
but some evil-disposed persons, not having the fear of God or 
the army before their eyes, stole her from us, to the great 
discomfort of the sick. The First New York Cavalry, called 
the "Lincoln Cavalry," encamped by the side of our hos- 



136 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

pital and were very noisy ; besides which they let their dead 
horses lay in close proximity to us, until we were obliged to 
complain to their Colonel to abate the nuisance. Some of 
the most ignorant of them still persisted in occupying our 
grove for improper purposes, notwithstanding our protests. 
Dr. Crawford, becoming incensed at their stupidity, took 
his pistol and pointing it at them commenced firing blank 
cartridges, which so frightened them that we were troubled 
no more. 

It would be well now to take a view of our position before 
describing the exciting events which are to follow. We 
reached this place on the 23d of May, a little more than a 
month previous, and although we had scouted and reconnoit- 
ered the country for miies in all directions, virtually held the 
same position we then took. From day to day we expected 
to capture Richmond, yet no attempt to that effect had been 
made. We had fought a severe battle at Fair Oaks, but had 
made no advance in that direction. We labored night and 
day on picket and camp duty, and in taking care of the sick 
whose numbers were daily increasing. In addition to those 
of our own regiment, we had taking charge of the balloon 
corps, detachments of several infantry regiments, and a 
squadron of Massachusetts Cavalry, on duty at General 
Stoneman's headquarters. This immense army had to be 
supplied from its base at White House. Most of the forage 
and other supplies came by railroad ; but we brought ours 
by trains from Dispatch Station, some eight miles distant, 
and occasionally had to send a train to White House Land- 
ing, twenty-five miles distant. The roads were very muddy 
as the showers of rain had been copious. As the daily 
round of duties were performed each would ask the other 
"what next?" " What next ?" We will see ! Stonewall 
Jackson's success in driving the federal forces from the 
Shanandoah Valley was immediately followed by his march- 
ing with a large part of his army to reinforce the troops 
defending Richmond. This may or may not have been 




BRI G CEIMl: WILLIAM GAMBLE- 



OF EVANSTON ILLINOIS. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 137 

known to General McClellan, but it was known to us, who 
had not given up the hope of entering the Southern Capitol. 
On the 25th, four companies went out on picket. They 
consisted of Companies II, L, G and C. II, on the Hanover 
road, L, on the Ashland road, and G and C as reserves. 
Companies E and K, on being relieved, proceeded to Ashland 
and drove in the rebel pickets and their reserves, to Ashland 
Station, so rapidly that they left their dinners uneaten and 
their haversacks hanging on the bushes. Having arrived at 
the station they found a large force of the enemy disembark- 
ing from a train of cars, who immediately formed into line 
of battle to receive them. During the skirmish that followed 
we cut the telegraph wires, carrying away fifteen or twenty 
rods of it, and then retreated. 



18 



CHAPTER VI. 

Second Battle of Mechanicsville, and first of the Seven Days' Fight— Death of Captain 
Hooker— Ex-Governor Wood a Volunteer— Battle of Gaineg' Mill— Destruction of the 
Stores at Dispatch Station— Retreat from Savage Station— White Oak Swamp— Night 
march to James River— Arrival at Ilaxai's Landing— Leading the way to Uarrison"^ 
Bar— Battle of Malvern Hill- Burning Army Wagons— Reconnoisance of Captain 
Southworth— Second Battle of Malvern nill— Sergeant Kinly in a critical situaiion- 
Capturing Carter's Horses— Evacuation of Harrison's Landing— March to Yorktown 
—Embarkation— Arrival at Alexandria. 

June 26th, the morning was ushered in bright and clear. 
The boys on picket were up at peep of day, and were cook- 
ing their breakfast when the sun rose in all his majesty to 
witness the scene of bloodshed and suffering that was to 
follow. Major Dustin's Battalion was on picket, with reserve 
posts at Atlee's Station, Mrs. Crenshaw's farm. Shady 
Grove church and the Cross-Koads. Early in the morning 
the Major left Atlee's Station in company with Captain 
Hooker and Orderly Armsby, and visited Company H at the 
Cross-Roads, and then rode out beyond the videttes, on the 
road to Hanover Court House. About half a mile beyond 
the videttes on the right of the road was a large plantation. 
At this point they left the road, passing through a gateway. 
After riding first through an open field and then through a 
small belt of woods, they came in sight of a farm house. 
Hastily taking a view of the surrounding country they 
started to return, intending to reach the road by the same 
gateway ; when within about fifty yards of the road a volley 
of about a dozen shots was fired at them, by what proved 
to be the advance guard of the rebels, from an ambush on 
the other side of the road nearly opposite the gateway. 



\ 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 139 

Captain Hooker was shot through the body, the ball enter- 
ing near the pit of the stomach. Being cut off from the 
road they were compelled to take a circuitous route in order 
to gain the reserve post of Company H at the Cross-Roads. 
It was with great difficulty that Captain Hooker could cling 
to his horse, and after gaining about one half the distance 
his strength failed him and he was unable to ride further. 
Major Dustin assisted him to dismount, and there in a small 
pine grove, ministered to his distress as well as he was able. 
Despairing of getting him within our lines, and knowing it 
was his duty to reach his command as soon as possible, 
Major Dustin told the suffering man he must leave him. He 
seemed conscious that bis wound was a fatal one, and pleaded 
earnestly to have them remain with him. In vain the 
Major urged his imperative duty to his battalion. 

" Oh, Major," he cried, " I would not leave i/ou if you 
were in my place." 

Promising to send for him if possible, the Major left him 
and hurried back to the Cross-Roads. A line of skirmishers 
was immediately ordered out, and men were sent to bring 
Captain Hooker into our lines ; but the enemy came upon 
them so rapidly that the effort had to be abandoned. I 
afterwards learned that on falling into the enemy's hands he 
was placed in charge of Dr. Overton, a physician of the 
neighborhood, who cared for him until his death. Thus it 
will be seen that the Eighth Illinois Cavalry received the 
first fire, shed the first blood, and made the first mortal 
sacrifice in the memorable seven days' fight and retreat from 
before Richmond. 

It will be borne in mind that there are many small streams 
in that vicinity, all running into the Chickahominy, and 
most of them lined by swampy ground thickly covered with 
timber and underbrush. These streams are ciossed by 
roads running parallel with the river, which would pass 
alternately over a beautiful plantation, across a swamp, and so 
on for twenty miles perhaps. Our pickets would be thrown 



140 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

out on the right and left immediately beyond the swamp, to 
watch the approaches. Thus the pickets were placed on the 
2t>th of June. Company H had seven posts besides the 
company headquarters. One man was on the lookout at 
each post, while the others would rest, cook. &c. While 
Corporal Teeple and George Baker were in an oat-field after 
fodder, they heard firing at Smith's post, and on coming out 
of the field to the top of the hill, found that the pickets had 
fallen back to headquarters. Soon squads were seen 
coming in on double-quick ; as a courier had been sent to 
order them back, for the enemy was approaching. Company 
H was formed on the left of the road and awaited the foe. 
Companies C and G came up, and as they slowly retired 
the men were placed where they could see and not be seen, 
and many a leaden messenger was sent to check the opposing 
army The enemy advanced very carefully and slowly from the 
fear of masked batteries or the deadly carbine. Our men 
deployed in every field and remained as long as possible, 
and then passed the defile. A similar movement was enacted 
on the other roads held by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

Meanwhile messengers were dispatched to headquarters 
giving notice of the progress of the enemy, and the " Penn- 
sylvania Bucktails," a splendid regiment of infantry, with 
others, were sent to our assistance, and came up to our retir- 
ing cavalry at Shady Grove Church. With their assistance 
the foe was kept back until three o'clock in the afternoon at 
which hour we fell back, leaving but a vidette to give notice 
of the enemy's advance. At every defile we felled trees 
across the bridges so as to impede a rapid advance of artil- 
lery ; but on came the hordes of rebeldom, and when near 
Mechanicsville the noble "bucktails" became engaged in a 
sharp struggle in which many were captured, and more placed 

hors du combat. In this engagement Stevens, of Com- 

L, was wounded in the arm, which was amputated by Assist- 
ant-Surgeon Crawford. Company B was on the road leading 
by Pole Green Church when the enemy came down upon 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 141 

them in force. They made a vigorous defence in which 
William Chambers was shot through the heart and instantly 
killed, but one of his comrades at once avenged his death by 
shooting his adversary. This man's horse was shot and in 
the fall he was severely injured, and was reported killed by 
his captain. The enemy came upon him and supposed he 
was dead so adroitly did he imitate a dead man. After they 
passed on he made his escape through their lines and reached 
our lines in safety. 

The infantry having now advanced to the front, our regi- 
ment came to camp and prepared for any emergency. The 
regiment was drawn up in line "standing to horse" ready 
for any duty that might present itself, v/hen a venerable 
figure approached, dressed in citizens clothes, with snowy 
locks surmounted by a high-crowned "stove-pipe hat," and 
entered into earnest conversation with Colonel Farnsworth. 
This was no other than Ex-Governor John Wood, of Illinois. 
Being on a visit to the army and finding events becoming 
every moment more and more thrilling and important, he 
wished to volunteer his services, and in every possible way, 
even at the risk of losing his life, aid the glorious work of 
saving our country. His appearance was anything but sol- 
dier-like. Our Colonel advised an exchange of the " tall 
hat," for a slouch or felt one, recently captured from a rebel, 
and with sabre, belt and spurs, obtained in like manner, well 
strapped on and well mounted, he soon changed the citizen 
into a soldier, of whom our men felt proud ; and through 
that memorable retreat from the Chickahominy to James 
river. Governor Wood was found among the foremost in 
battle; his venerable white hair streamed in the wind as he 
lifted his hat and waved it to cheer the men on in hours of 
deepest peril and gloom, and gave courage and hope to hearts 
almost ready to despair. And now that victory has crowned 
their efforts, the recollection of liis daring and chivalrous 
example sends a thrill of delight to every heart of that noble 
band of patriots with whom he fought. They all count him 
as one of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 



142 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

The Eighth was soon ordered to support a battery on the 
road, near Pole Green Church, where a host of the enemy's 
forces were expected but did not come. Near Mechanics- 
ville the fighting became terrible, infantry and artillery were 
warmly engaged and gradually gave way before superior 
numbers. As the turnpike crossing the river at Meadow 
Bridge was uncovered, General A. P. Hill's troops crossed 
from Richmond and pressed hard upon our forces, which, 
after an obstinate resistance, retreated from Mechanicsville 
across Beaver Dam Creek, to some rifle pits, which had been 
hastily constructed on the crest of the hill. Concealed from 
view by the dense foliage our artillery was posted, waiting 
in silence for the work to begin. Below, and in front of 
this line, hidden by the swamp, lay a line of infantry watch- 
ing the movements of the foe, who put their artillery in 
range, and the earth was fairly shaken with the roar. Here 
they were checked ; they ordered a charge, and down the 
hill they came, on double-quick and into the swamp, where 
our hidden line arose and poured deadly volleys into the 
terrified army. The artillerymen had viewed the scene in 
breathless suspense, but now came their turn to work, and 
grape and cannister w^ere showered into their routed line 
until they fairly laid in heaps, and only the darkness of the 
night put an end to the work of carnage. The terrible loss 
of the enemy is partly admitted by their historian. Pollard 
in his "Lost Cause," says of this charge: 

" D. H. Hill's leading brigade, under Ripley, advanced to 
the support of the troops engaged, and at a late hour united 
with Pender's brigade of A. P. Hill's division in an effort to 
turn the enemy's left. In the excitement and darkness, 
Ripley advanced his line through the open fields and 
had reached the road and swamp in front, when suddenly 
the enemy opened with grape at twenty yards, and mowed 
down whole files of our men. The word "to charge" rang 
from wing to wing, and our men running down the bank to 
the road beneath were stopped by the impassable swamp 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 143 

and abattis ; to the right, up the rising road, cannon also 
blazed in their faces, and well-posted infantry poured in 
showers of small shot. Retreat was the only alternative, 
and under the cover of the darkness it was affected with 
little additional loss. The fire was continued until abou*- 
nine o'clock in the night when the engagement ceased, and 
thus closed the first day of the battles around Richmond. " 
A little before dark it became evident that our position 
was very critical. A cannon ball struck the anvil of 
McGregor of Company B while he was standing by it shoeing 
a horse. Colonel Farnsworth said to him " that will do 
McGregor, move out of here." The old Scotchman replied, 
"Yes, Colonel, I think I will." The Quartermaster and 
Commissary lost no time in removing their stores, and the 
old camp was hastily abandoned. The hospital at AValnut 
Grove Church was well filled with the sick and every effort 
was made to have them removed. One four horse ambulance, 
a two wheeled cart and one army wagon were our only means 
of transportation. The sick (among whom was Dr. StuU, 
lying very low with the typhoid fever,) were loaded into 
these vehicles, but all who were able, were required to walk. 
It was dark before they were in the conveyances, and to our 
great annoyance the hospital happened to be in the direc- 
tion in which the enemy were firing, and one shell struck 
the roof of the hospital before the sick were all removed 
tearing it terribly, but inflicting no injury. In our haste, 
and for want of transportation some of the hospital furniture 
was abandoned. One article in particular was overlooked 
and left. It was a very large quilt, manufactured by some 
union ladies of Evanston, Misses Lizzie Sherman, Ella 
Judson and Nanna Fussy, and presented to the Surgeon of 
the regiment through Major Beveridge. The design of the 
quilt was very appropriate, as the word "Union" was 
stamped on every inch of it. It fell into the hands of the 
enemy ; I am quite sure that no secessionist could sleep well 
under such an array of "Union" as it presented. The sick 



144 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

were moved about four miles across the creek near Gaines' 
Mill, and there remained lying in their ambulances for the 
night. The horses were not unhitched from the wagons, 
and all were kept in readiness to move at any moment. 

Early in the morning while preparing some breakfast, a 
staflF officer rode up to me and intimated that this was not a 
safe position for our sick, and we at once determined to 
remove them to Savage Station, and get them out of danger 
if possible. We were soon moving again, but it was noon 
before we reached the Station, and knowing that the right 
wing of our army was falling back, we were very anxious to 
get the sick on board the first train, fearing the railroad 
would be destroyed in our rear and we be compelled to aban- 
don them to the mercy of the enemy, which would prove fatal 
to matiy, — and iti fact the train which carried the poor 
fellows to White House Landing was the last one that passed 
over the road. 

While transacting the necessary business with Surgeon 
Swinburne, in charge at Savage Station, he asked me "how 
matters were progressing across the Chickahominy." I in- 
formed him that our forces Avere falling back before the 
enemy, and gave that as a reason for our anxiety to get the 
sick removed. A nervous old man connected with the Maine 
Soldier's Aid Society overheard our conversation, and im- 
mediately proceeded to General Ileintzelman's headquarters, 
and with fear and trembling told what he had heard. Very 
soon we were waited upon by a drunken staff officer, who 
heaped upon us the most profane and insulting epithets ; 
swearing we had told a lie, and that our forces were driving 
the enemy before them ; and ordering us to report back to 
our regiment ; threatening to put us under arrest, &c., tfec. 
So much for "staff officers." I only regret that I do not 

know his name. I saw him once after that at White Oak 
Swamp. He was then cursing and swearing because the 
road was blocked with teams, which he feared would cut off 
his hasty retreat. His bleared eyes seemed to see an enemy 
in every tree and stump in his rear. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 145 

We returned to an open field near the Chickahominy where 
our teams and quartermaster stores were picketed, and were 
soon greeted with the sound of artillery and musketry, which 
was the beginning of the battle of Gaines' Mill. 

Before daylight of June 27th, our forces were withdrawn 
from the line of Beaver Dam Creek, and formed a new line 
near Gaines' Mill Creek, whose banks were high and formed 
a good defence on our right ; but toward the Chickahominy 
receded and left a large tract of bottom land which led to 
the swamp bordering the river. General Stoneman with 
part of his cavalry, was several miles to the right, on the 
Pamunky, and his communication with the main army being 
cut off, it was feared he would be surprised by the enemy ; 
60 an order was given to notify him of the situation. This 
perilous task was entrusted to Major Clendennin, who sent 
a squad from his battalion ; it was gallantly performed ; and 
by this means, his command was saved. He marched down 
the Peninsula to White House, and thence to Yorktown, 
and finally joined the army again after it reached Harrison's 
Landing, on James river. 

About noon the enemy were seen approaching our new 
lines, and the Eighth Illinois Cavalry were mostly placed 
to support batteries. The battle raged with great fury, and 
for some hours the enemy were foiled in their attempts to 
force our lines. But late in the afternoon Jackson arrived with 
his command, and hurled his fresh troops upon our soldiers who 
had fought the day previous and were now almost exhausted. 
Our troops resisted their furious advance in a praiseworthy 
manner, but on came the fresh columns of the rebels with 
victorious cheers and well-filled cartridge-boxes, while ours 
were nearly empty. Our reserves under General Slocum 
now came up and the enemy was driven with great loss. 
The "Irish Brigade" here distinguished itself, and added 
fresh courage to the desponding troops. 

The continuous volleys of musketry seemed mingled into 
the grand roar of a great cataract, while the louder and 
19 



146 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

deeper discharges of artillery bounded forth over the hills 
and down the valley with a volume that seemed to shake the 
foundation of the universe. The smoke was so thick that 
the sun was gloomily red in the heavens, while the clouds of 
dust in the rear, caused by the commotion of the moving 
squadrons of cavalry, was stifling. And stilj the places of 
the exhausted rebels Avere constantly being supplied with 
fresh troops, and our line began to waver. Hundreds of 
stragglers, wounded and exhausted, were rushing to the 
rear. The lines were being dangerously reduced, until a 
line was but a scattering few, and the dust, confusion and 
roar of artillery, announced to every one that a panic was 
imminent A few brave regiments who had but half an hour 
before rushed to the rescue of the broken ranks, were falling 
back, and every moment becoming less in numbers. 

The scene was heart-sickening. Our Colonel quickly 
issued orders to form by squadrons into single line across the 
field, and let none but the wounded with an attendant, pass. 
With drawn sabres, we demanded a "halt" to all but the 
bleeding ; and several times were officers and men ordered 
to halt and form into line, when they would open their shirt- 
bosoms and exhibit a ghastly wound, or lift the lid of an 
empty cartridge-box, or show a shattered gun ; and some 
were coming with an arm or finger dangling. Through the 
clouds of smoke and dust we could see our line retreating 
slowly, and hopelessness was depicted on every face of the 
infantry that approached. Not a man in the cavalry but 
waited the order to "charge," but it never came. These 
that were rallied were soon in compact line, and moved for- 
ward with but the bayonet as a defence. The coming 
stragglers halted, thinking these were fresh troops, and 
joining them formed a second line and waited an attack. 
Cheer after cheer arose from this line as they advanced. 
The enemy threw shells in our midst, and one bursting 
among us struck our color-bearer, John Ryan, (the "little 
boy" to whom the flag, presented by the ladies of Alexandria, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 147 

was entrusted,) fracturing the knee-pan, and proving a very 
serious wound ; and Thomas Brown was also shot in the 
thigh with a minnie ball. 

Our reserve batteries, Robertson's and Tidbali's, now 
belched forth death among the rebel ranks, when the firing; 
slackened and darkness put an end to the scene. During 
the night, detachments brought in the wounded, for the 
enemy had not dared to advance. Our army withdrew 
across the river and thus ended the battle of Gaines' Mill. 

During the evening. Lieutenant Cool, of Company I, was 
sent with a detachment to the right near Coal Harbor, and 
attempted to remove an ambulance which was found there, 
but was attacked by the enemy, and after a spirited skirmish 
withdrew without loss. It was evident the enemy would 
follow down the left bank of the river, and sever our communi- 
cation with our base of supplies at White House. While 
the battle was yet raging. Companies E and K, under 
Captain Kelly, were sent to Dispatch Station to picket and 
guard our hospital and supplies, where they remained that 
night. Early next morning the enemy's pickets made their 
appearance, and as our army had commenced its retreat, 
orders were sent to destroy the supplies there. He kept the 
men in as conspicuous a place as possible so as to make a 
display of force, while the sick were being removed from the 
hospital, placed in army wagons and sent to Savage Station. 
The hospital was then set on fire and the building, together 
with a large supply of hospital stores, was consumed. The 
enemy advanced as soon as they saw the smoke rising above 
the trees, and our forces fell back to the Station, destroyed 
the stores there and moved toward the Chickahominy. 

Lieutenant W. W. Taylor, with a squad of men, was in 
the direction of White House, and was not notified of this 
movement. In order to allow him to join the main body 
before being entirely cut off. Captain Kelly, with a part of 
the squadron, went to open the way for Taylor, when the 
enemy, with superior numbers, made a charge upon him 



148 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

accompanied bj yells and a volley from their pistols and 
carbines. The charge was met bravely and for a time with- 
stood, but being outnumbered the Captain was compelled to 
fall back, which he did, followed a short distance by his 
adversaries. Lieutenant Taylor, hearing the firing and 
coming to the conclusion that he dare not remain longer for 
fear of being captured, took a road to the left, and succeeded 
in reaching the squadron. Our only loss was the capture of 
Kitsmiller, of Company K, Avhose horse fell with him when 
he was struck by a sabre, stunned and made prisoner. One 
horse was captured from the rebels. The squadron then re- 
crossed the river and joined the army, having accomplished 
in a gallant manner all it was sent to do. 

Early on the morning of the 28th of June, our wounded 
were taken to Savage Station in the hope that they could 
reach White House by railroad; soon the regiment was 
in motion, and when drawn up near the Station we noticed a 
long train of cars loaded with wounded who were being re- 
moved and placed in tents and on the ground — several acres 
of land being already covered. Colonel Farnsworth now 
informed me that the railroad had been cut in our rear, and 
he was ordered to take the advance in the retreat of the 
''grand army of the Potomac." We at once selected the 
cases of wounded that belonged to the Eighth Illinois and 
put them in an ambulance, for removal to a place of safety. 
It was heartrending to hear the groans and pleadings of 
others who wished to be removed, fearing to fall into the 
hands of the enemy, but we were about to retreat, we knew 
not whither, and could with difficulty take our own men. 

While waiting for the order to march, a Mrs. Fogg, agent 
for the Maine Soldier's Aid Society, with an old gentleman 
named Rogers, (also from Maine,) came to us, greatly excited 
as they had just learned that our communications were cut 
oflf, and wished to be protected in the retreat. Mrs. Fogg 
had an ambulance assigned her to convey her supplies, and 
having much more than could possibly be transported in one 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 149 

ambulance, she freely offered to distribute them among the 
soldiers, sick or well. She gave us a few boxes of cracker?, 
several dozen eggs, a fine cheese, &c., which we managed to 
stow away in our already overloaded ambulance, for we 
feared that rations for the sick would become scarce ere we 
reached a place of safety. Her ambulance was now brought 
into the train ready to move, when we were informed that 
Mrs. General Richardson, with her nurse girl and infant 
child, were also at the Station. They had come to spend a 
short time in camp and by this unexpected attack were 
unable to be sent back by railroad, and must accompany the 
army and share its fortunes. An ambulance was assigned 
to them and brought into the train, and we were directed 
by Colonel Farnsworth, to take special charge of them. 

The railroad and telegraph having been destroyed by the 
enemy, and all communication with the White House inter- 
rupted, (the country between that point and our forces being 
now occupied by the enemy's cavalry,) General McClellan 
called for three brave and discreet men to bear dispatches 
through to the above mentioned place. The order came to 
our regiment, and Colonel Farnsworth selected Sergeant 
Bushnell, private Beckwith, and one other man, to perform 
the perilous undertaking. Guided only by the stars of 
heaven and a small pocket-compass, they entered the forest, 
swam the Chickahominy river, threaded the winding paths 
which led through the dense forest, avoiding the enemy's 
cavalry that everywhere kept a vigilant watch for this or 
like movements, and early next morning reached White 
House Landing in safety and delivered their message. The 
immense hospitals were at once discontinued, and the sick and 
wounded were at once placed on hospital steamers. The 
Quartermaster and Commissary supplies, of which there 
were millions of dollar's worth, were partly saved by being 
put on transports, and the balance committed to the flames, 
just as the enemy's advance made its appearance. The 
enemy had made great preparations to capture our supplies 



160 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

at this point, but in this they were foiled, owing to the suc- 
cessful manner in which our men succeeded in evading them 
and delivering their important dispatch. 

About noon of June 28th we began the retreat in the di- 
rection of White Oak Swamp, which place was held by 
General Keys' command. We had not proceeded far when 
Brown, of Company I, who had been wounded in battle the 
day before, came hobbling up to the ambulance, having de- 
termined to follow the regiment rather than take his chances 
with the enemy. The road soon became throns^ed with the 
retreating army. Wagon trains, artillery, infantry and cav- 
alry crowded every thoroughfare and path, through forest 
and field. Ere long the men that had been pent to destroy 
the stores at Dispatch Station, joined us, and before dark 
we reached White Oak swamp. The bridge was a very poor 
one, and the swamp difficult to pass, but by dint of great 
perseverance, our ambulance and wagon train, as well as 
the ladies, were got safely across the stream, where we en- 
camped for the night. During all that long, dark night we 
could hear the teamsters yelling, swearing and whipping 
their horses and mules, as they floundered through the deep 
mud of White Oak Swamp. 

On the side of the stream we now occupied, the bank rose 
to a considerable hight, along which cannon wefre planted to 
check the enemy, should they attempt to follow. During the 
afternoon when looking back from an eminence over the 
country we had abandoned, we observed a dense cloud of 
smoke rising many hundred feet in the air, followed by an 
explosion which caused the earth to tremble as if some vol- 
cano had burst forth its hidden lava from the bowels of the 
earth. The spectacle was grand beyond description. It was 
the destruction of the immense stores of ammunition at 
Savage Station that could not be removed. 

During this afternoon, was fought the battle of Savage 
Station, by General Sumner, who commanded the rear guard 
of the retreat. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 151 

Early on the morning, 29th, (Sunday,) the wounded came 
straggling along, and the stream of suflfering humanity in- 
creased as the day wore on. It was late in the afternoon 
when our Colonel received orders from General Keys to take 
the advance and conduct an immense train of ambulances 
and wagons through to James river. Arrangements were rap- 
idly made, squads of cavalry thrown out in front and on the 
flanks. There were about seventy ambulances in the train and 
many hundred wagons. The ambulances were all loaded to 
their utmost capacity, yet thousands of sick and wounded men 
were on foot, begging earnestly that they might be permit- 
ted to ride. The night became very dark ; vivid lightning 
flashed athwart the sky, peals of thunder rent the air, which, 
mingled with the roar of cannon in our rear, made the night 
hideous in the extreme. Squads of rebel cavalry were in 
our front to dispute our advance, but dare not attack us in 
the darkness ; and although the road could not be seen save 
when a flash of lightning broke in through the inky black- 
ness, we were ordered not to light a lantern for fear the 
enemy's cavalry, which hung upon our flanks, would send the 
deadly minnie ball into our midst. Many times did we dis- 
mount and pull the weary or wounded footman out of the 
road and from under the horses hoofs, where they had sunk 
down, too much exhausted to go farther or even crawl from 
beneath the wheels of the train, which would have crushed 
them to death. The women, too, were almost frantic with 
fear, and no wonder, when the stout-hearted soldiers, who 
^had faced the leaden hail-storm of the recent battles, were 
ready to faint and give up in despair. The horrors of that 
march will never be revealed until those terrible swamps give 
up the dead who sank that night, to rise no more. It may 
be thought by some that I am coloring the picture ; but 
remember, boys, that while you were rushing through the 
swamps and brush, seeking the rebel cavalry or finding the 
best roads leading to James river, I was with the train of 



152 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ambulances, caring for the sick and wounded and know of 
what I write. 

About three o'clock in the morning of June 30th, our 
advance reached James river at Ilaxal's Landing, a short 
distance below Malvern Hill. The teams were driven into 
wheat fields and meadows, and the tired drivers sank down 
for a short rest. Shortly after daylight the regimental head- 
quarters were pitched in the grove on a hill overlooking the 
place. Mrs. Fogg called upon us for the last of the cheese, 
egg and crackers she had given us for the sick, (which she 
had drawn upon from time to time during the retreat,) as 
"she was preparing a breakfast for Mrs. Richardson, herself 
and some of the officers at headquarters." After the terrible 
night just passed, such a breakfast must have been very 
refreshing ; so thought we — and the poor sick soldiers look- 
ing out of the ambulances. But let it not be thought that 
the sick and wounded of the Eighth went hungry. The 
trouble experienced, was a want of time to prepare their food 
in the best manner. All had plenty of hard tack and coffee. 

Early in the day General Keys and staff arrived, and ex- 
pressed himself highly gratified with the manner in which 
the head of the column had been brought to the river. Two 
gunboats were lying at this point — the "Monitor" and the 
"Galena." The commander of the Monitor informed the 
General that in consequence of the hight of the banks he 
could not afford protection to the trains, and suggested that 
a location be sought in the vicinity of Harrison's Bar, some 
seven or eight miles distant by land, but more than twice 
that distance by water. Shortly after this. General McClel- 
lan arrived, and went on board the gunboat Galena. About 
noon Colonel Farnsworth received orders to proceed to the 
place suggested near Harrison's Bar, and look out a camping 
place. This duty was assigned to Major Clendennin, who, 
with Captain Clark and myself, started, accompanied by an 
escort taking the train headed by our own ambulances. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 153 

At this time firing was again heard in our rear, and toward 
Richmond, which continued until after dark ; and we after- 
wards learned that a terrible battle, known by the various 
names of Nelson's farm, Glendale and Frazer's farm, had 
been fought, — said bj General Sumner to be the most 
severe battle since that of Gaines' Mill. Tne enemy was 
repulsed, but under cover of the darkness our forces again 
retreated. I'ut to return to our movements. Colonel Farns- 
worth and most of the regiment remained on duty at the 
front, while Major C. and his squad sought Harrison's Bar. 
Without guides we proceeded down the river a few miles and 
came to a turn in the road which seemed to us to lead in the 
wrong direction ; this was followed for a mile or more, when 
seeing some negroes harvesting, Major C called to them to 
"•give directions as to the road to Harrison's Bar." They 
appeared greatly frightened, said this was the right road. 
The Major tried to induce one of them to go with us as a 
guide, but he declined, fearing the wrath of his master. 
Major C. then drcAV a pistol and ordered him to mount one 
of our horses and lead the way. With fear and trembling 
the poor fellow obeyed ; taking us safely along, through bye- 
roads and across fields, to Harrison's Landing, which without 
a guide would have been difficult to find. 

The country through which we passed had not been dis- 
turbed by the appearance of a hostile army, and wheat fields, 
with ripe grain suffering to be harvested, were on either side. 
The Harrison farm was a large plantation in the highest 
state of cultivation ; as was the Westover plantation adjoin- 
ing. Large fields of corn, waiste high, and wheat fields whose 
ripe grain reached to the backs of our horses were now driven 
into by our teams, which immediately began locating along 
the banks of the river, and for half a mile back. The Har- 
rison mansion — the birth-place of the late President, William 
Henry Harrison — is a large brick farm-house, three stories 
high, with an attic almost equal to the fourth story ; sur- 
rounded by a grove and court containing eight or ten acres, 
20 



154 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

It stands on a fine elevation, some forty or fifty feet above 
the river, and almost as many rods distant from the landing. 
Near the landing is a large brick tobacco-house, and on the 
hill directly back of this, the old family burying ground. 
Fruit in abundance was to be found here, and the cherries 
with which the trees were loaded were the largest and richest 
I ever tasted. The change from the forest and swamps 
through which we had passed, to this beautiful plantation, 
overlooking the placid waters of James river with but a 
single vessel lying at anchor off the bar, was equal to the 
transit from a terrible thunder-storm to a bright clear sky. 
With the immense wagon trains that came rushing along, 
came thousands of stragglers and wounded men. Major 
Clendennin was chief officer in command here, and we knew 
of no surgeon, yet arrived, whose rank was superior to our 
own. Accordingly we went to the Harrison house to occupy 
it as a hospital for our sick and wounded. The tenants had 
deserted the premises. There were a few colored people in 
the negro quarters hard by, but the mansion was barred and 
bolted. We soon found means of gaining admission, and at 
once set to work preparing it for the reception of the soldiers. 
A guard was placed around the premises, and during the 
night we admitted some two hundred wounded. In the 
meantime Assistant-Surgeon Crawford and Hospital Steward 
Robert Sill, were busily engaged at the tobacco-house dress- 
ing the wounds of those that presented themselves there. 
All night the trains kept coming in, and by morning the 
grounds about our hospital were well-filled with sick men 
who could not gain admittance to the house. 

On the morning of July 1st, we found ourselves sur- 
rounded by thousands of wounded from all parts of the re- 
treating army, who had straggled along or been brought by 
the teams ; with little or nothing to eat. These men could 
Bcarcely bring themselves along without being encumbered 
with rations ; and in fact having been in the thickest of the 
battles when wounded and barely escaping capture, had no 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

rations to bring. The scene of suffering was terribly sick- 
ening ; food was now of more importance than surgery, 
though there were loud calls for the latter. Mrs. Fogg 
made herself very useful by her unremitting labors and 
devotion to the sick and wounded. With great difficulty, in 
the confusion which prevailed, we succeeded in obtaining 
six beef-cattle from a Quartermaster who had just arrived, 
which were immediately slaughtered. Kettles were obtained 
by the assistance of the negroes, and beef soup and hard-tack 
were very soon distributed to the famishing men. The med- 
ical men who came in were greatly fatigued, and but few 
could be prevailed upon to go heartily to work — many sank 
down from sheer exhaustion. 

Order being partly restored, the wounded were receiving 
all the care we could give them, when two steamboats, from 
Fortress Monroe, arrived at the landing, and shortly after 
the surgeon recently in charge of the general hospital at 
White House, with fifteen assistant-surgeons, a corps of 
nurses and six cooks, came to this hospital and reported for 
duty, expecting, no doubt, to find the medical headquarters 
of the army here. We at once oftered to resign the hospital 
to his control, but he refused to take charge, saying he must 
report to the Medical Director, who had not yet arrived ; 
but he would leave his corps of assistants. ^Ye were very 
glad to hear him make this announcement, for the supplies 
they furnished were all needed, and the cooks made excel- 
lent use of the beef we had provided. 

During this day the battle of Malvern Hill was fought, 
and we could distinctly hear the roar of artillery and the 
rattle of musketry. Before night we succeeded in getting 
our wounded on board the two hospital boats which lay at 
the bar. The wounded kept coming in all that night, and 
early in the morning the rain began to fall in torrents and 
continued all day, making the roads almost impassable, but 
giving some relief to the thirsty soldiers. D. N. Gross of 
Company E, had been wounded near White Oak Swamp, a 



156 TTTE EIGJITH ILLINOIS CAVALBV. 

b;ill IhhI jiiis.srd tiiiuUiiLi Ills uiilvle juiiir. but lie rotle. tioiii liie 
ii.i til'- li»'IJ lu tilt- lauding—;! tli.-tulKf o\ jboiil t'-ii uiilcs 
Hastily dressing his wounds we carried him on board thy 
steamboat just as the planks were being drawn in, and the 
boat started for Fortress Monroe. His injury proved to be 
very^ serious, for with the utmost exertions and best care his 
life was barely saved with the loss of his foot. Had he been 
left behind he would doubtless have died. 

While the rain was pouring down in torrents and every 
shelter and out-house was filled with the sick and wounded, 
Surgeon Letterman arrived, and took refuge in a small wedge 
tent which the Major and I had erected. We now thought 
that we should be relieved and enabled to return to the regi- 
ment, but soon ascertained that he had come to relieve Sur- 
geon Trjpler, as Medical Dn-ector of the Army of the 
Potomac, and refused to do anything until he had reported 
to that officer. He did not know where to find him, as the 
army headquarters had not yet reached this place, conse- 
quently we remained in charge until late in the afternoon, 
when we were relieved and returned to the regimental head- 
quarters which were a few rods from the landing. The con- 
dition of the roads and the soil in the cultivated fields, with 
thousands of men and horses passing over them, was horrid 
beyond description. The road toward Malvern Hill was 
blocked by broken wagons, caissons and abandoned baggage 
of all kinds ; barrels of pork and other commissary stores, 
and numberless tents, camp and garrison equipage were 
strewn around for miles. 

The throng rushing to the boats for transportation was 
so great it was ordered that none but the wounded should be 
admitted, although there were many cases of sickness that 
needed removal and the most careful attention. 

That evening the Chaplain of the " Pennsylvania Buck- 
tails," (whose regiment had been nearly annihilated, and 
who had himself suffered almost beyond human endurance,) 
came groping into our midst and was hospitably received by 



THE EIGHTH ILLTlSrOIS CAVALRY. 167 

( liiiphiiii M II tliuk. He wa^ ^^o worn out h\ ruiist:iiit e.\j.io5<- 
ui'j tliat ui' tVyrt'tl tor hi, lit'r. llis liuibs wci*' .st) lunge.-^tuij 
irom ihe ankles to above the knees they had the appearance 
of blood, and besides a high fever was parching his lips : 
what to do with him in this condition was the question. 
It was raining and we had no shelter for him — removal or 
death was evidently his portion. In this dilemma we resort- 
ed to strategy. Obtaining a stretcher he was placed upon it, 
and our Chaplain took one end and a stout soldier the other, 
while I led the way through the crowds that lined the rjver 
banks; cominy to the guard we removed a portion of the 
bandage we had placed on the Chaplain's legs, which deceived 
the o-uard who thought he was wounded, and we had the sat- 
isfaction of placing him safely on the vessel. 

Our hearts ached to witness the crowds of sick soldiers 
who, whenever a surgeon passed, implored his aid to get 
them on the boats. Webster Fuller, of Company M, was 
brought in wounded and carried on board a hospital steamer. 

The night of July 2d was very rainy and Dr. Crawford 
was taken sick, and on the morning of July 3d we succeeded 
in getting him on board a boat bound for Wkshington. The 
sick and wounded of the Eighth had been well cared for 
compared with those of other regiments. The same day 
that we were deprived of our valuable assistant, Crawford, 
we removed our quarters to Westover Landing, and on the 
4th we again moved about a mile and a half above the Har- 
rison House, and encamped in the woods. The day was 
pleasant but intensely warm, and sickness was on the in- 
crease. 

Governor Wood, of Illinois, had accompanied us through 
this series of battles, and was now in camp with us, quite 
seriously indisposed. So much so that we were extremely 
anxious for his welfare. 

From the time of our arrival at Harrison's Bar to the 
4th of July the camp was in the utmost confusion ; but the 
wounded having been sent off, the camp pretty well fortified 



158 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

and order restored, we had time to take a long breath. Let 
us now take a retrospective view of the field and see what 
the Eighth Illinois Cavalry have done. 

Colonel Farnsworth, with his regiment, was put in charge 
of the immense train of wagons which were moving on two 
or three different roads. The regiment was stretched out on 
these roads to protect the trains and keep them moving, and 
on Tuesday, July 1st, most of the train was brought to 
camp, while the battle of Malvern Hill was in progress. 
Notwithstanding the drenching rain which commenced Wed- 
nesday noon, the troops came in towards the Landing by 
thousands, and a part of the Eighth was sent out on a scout 
on the Long Bridge road, and were near that point when an 
orderly reached them saying they must return, as the rear 
guard of the army had passed. A large number of army 
wagons which could not he brought through in time to prevent 
their falling into the hands of the enemy, were burned by 
our boys. They returned to ilaxall's Landing, where they 
remained until Thursday noon, as a general engagement 
was anticipated. One of the finest things of the week was 
the bloodless capture of a rebel battery of four guns, and 
some three or four hundred prisoners, by an Indiana regiment, 
(I think the Thirteenth,) of General Shield's Division, which 
had been landed scarce twenty-four hours. A Zouave regi- 
ment engaged them in front as they were getting range on 
some of our wagon trains, while the "Hoosiers" shifted 
around and came within a few rods of their rear without 
being discovered, when the rebels to a man surrendered. 

Somewhere in the vicinity of Ilaxall's or Malvern Hill, 
Peter C. Simmons and Barney Carlin, who were with the 
'* led horses," delayed too long when the command fell back, 
and were captured by the enemy, or, in army phrase, were 
" gobbled up," and carried prisoners to Richmond. The regi- 
ment was kept busy scouting, picketing and arranging the 
lines, while no small number were acting as orderlies for the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 159 

diflferent Generals, carrying dispatches to all parts of the 
command day and night. 

The Fourth of July passed quietly, with no magnificent 
demonstrations. The soldiers were too weary and dis- 
heartened to indulge in great rejoicings. The weather was 
extremely warm ; the thermometer frequently rising as high 
as one hundred and two degrees Farenheit, in the shade. 

About this time, General Stoneman took command as 
Chief of cavalry. From this time until the retreat to York- 
town and the embarkation for Alexandria, there were few 
incidents of historic interest. The river being shallow for 
quite a distance from the shore, there was an excellent 
opportunity for bathing, and in the evening thousands of 
soldiers could be seen enjoying this exercise. Part of our 
regiment were on picket all the time. 

President Lincoln visited this place, rode along the line 
of defence, and was heartily received and cheered by the 
troops. 

On the 8th of July, Colonel Farnsworth received a leave 
of absence. He had suffered with a diseased leg previous to 
is entering the ar my, and constant duty in the saddle had 
so increased the difficulty, that it became necessary for him 
to obtain a respite. The command of the regiment now fell 
upon Major Clendennin. As is usual with all volunteers, 
when not actively engaged, some uneasiness or chafing arose 
among the officers and men, which resulted in the tendering 
of several resifjnations ; in some instances for the best of 
reasons, and in others no doubt there was some intrigue dis- 
played. Among those who resigned were Battalion Adju- 
tant Gifford, Captain Dana, Chaplain Matlack and Captain 
Cleveland, all of whom were deeply regretted by the troops 
they had so ably commanded. Our sick list became larger 
each day, applications for furloughs were very numerous, 
and their refusal caused much of the discontent which was 
manifest. On the 16th of July, Major Jones paid off the 
regiment for March and April. 



160 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Having been suffering with tiie dysentery for some two 
weeks, and having all the sick in the regiment to attend, I 
found nij health failing so rapidly that I applie<l for a leave 
of absence. For several days 1 hiy on a stretcher and ex- 
amined and prescribed for from seventy-five to a hundred 
patients daily ; Dr. Crawford not yet having returned from 
Washinjiton. 

On the 17th of Julv, Acting Assistant-Surgeon was sent 
to the regiment to supply my place until Dr. Crawfords 
arrival, and on the 18th 1 left for home on a leave of twenty 
days. 

On or about the 20th, Majors' JJcveridge and Clendennin 
proceeded with half the regiment as far as Turkey Creek 
Bridge, in the direction of Malvern Kill, driving the rebel 
pickets before them. They were fired upon by a rebel 
battery, and withdrawing in the direction of Ilaxall's, they 
were often greeted with the "whiz ' of the deadly missile. 
One shell burst near a picket post of Company H, and 
wounded Sylvanus Brott in the foot, at the same time kill- 
ing his horse. They succeeded, however, in capturing a 
fine horse belonging to the rebels, and brought in two 
citizens. 

On the 22(1 another attempt was made to feel the enemy's 
position on Malvern Hill by a double movement. Captain 
Waite with about forty dismounted men engaged their at- 
tention in front, and Major Bevcridge with about one hun- 
dred mounted men crossed a mill-race on the right and had 
an encounter with the cavalry pickets. J. C Clemens Avas 
slightly wounded in the leg by pieces of a buckle shot from 
his bridle by a minnie ball, which entered his horse's neck. 
Matthew Nisson and the blacksmith of Company L, were 
also wounded, and one of our horses was killed. One rebel 
Avas captured, together with his horse and arms. He belong- 
ed to the Fourth Virginia Cavalry. 

The next day Major Clendennin drew the enemy into a 
sort of ambush, and getting a cross fire on them turned the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 161 

charge they were about to make into a rapid retreat. Sev- 
eral saddles were emptied and some horses captured. Our 
forces then withdrew, as there was a large body of the 
enemy's cavalry near. 

On Saturday, August 2d, the horses were kept saddled 
and ready for active service. In the evening all the regi- 
ment except three companies, who Avere on picket, reported 
to General Hooker. The latter, with infantry, artillery and 
cavalry, moved out to near Ilaxall's, where our men remain- 
ed until about twelve o'clock, to support the batteries and 
be ready for any emergency. It was expected that our 
lines were to be attacked, but the enemy did not make their 
appearance. 

On Sunday the chaplain of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infan- 
try, addressed our men in the morning, and in the afternoon 
Companies H and K received orders to go out on a recon- 
noisance toward White Oak Swamp. The object of this 
expedition was to find some road by which a movement could 
be made around Malvern Hill, so as to bring a force be- 
tween that place and Hichmond, without being discovered by 
the enemy. The expedition was under command of Lieu- 
tenant Southworth. Leaving the lines about sundown they 
slowly felt their way up the Quaker road to a wood-colored 
church, (leaving pickets at every cross-road,) when leaving 
the main road they pushed as far in the rear of Malvern Hill 
as possible. In order to learn the position of the enemy, 
some of our men entered citizen's houses, and pretended to 
be rebels who had just come out on picket duty ; and by 
ingenious conversation with the women succeeded in learning 
the exact position of many of their picket posts, and all 
returned safely to camp, having thus obtained the necessary 
information. 

On Monday evening nine companies of the Eighth Illinois, 
the Eighth Pennsylvania and Sixth Regular Cavalry, report- 
ed to General Hooker, who with Generals Sedgwich, Kearney 
and Couch, moved out of their works with their divisions 
21 



162 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

and four splendid batteries, Avhich made up a fine army. 
It was evident that there "svas work ahead — Malvern Hill 
was to be attacked from the rear. The Eighth Illinois 
marched in advance until twelve o'clock at nitrht without 
meeting the foe, and then went into camp. At daybreak, 
on the oth of August, they again started, and after going 
a mile came to the Charles City road, where was found a 
heavy picket post, which was driven back towards New Market. 
Turning to the left, they moved down toward James river, 
directly in the rear of Malvern Hill ; opposed only by a few 
pickets. On arriving at the point where our terrible line of 
batteries so fearfully reduced the rebel ranks at the first bat- 
tle of Malvern Hill, the enemy commenced firing upon us. 
Benson's battery replied, and for two hours there was a furi- 
ous cannonading. The fire of the enemy was well directed, 
killing and wounding a number of our infantry. After a 
time the fire was slackened and renewed at intervals, and 
then suddenly ceased ; when it was ascertained the rebels 
had retreated toward Richmond. It appears there was a 
road nearer the river than that occupied by our forces, lead- 
ing to Richmond. The general in command, though notifieil, 
for some reason neglected to occupy it, and the enemy tak- 
ing advantage of this omission, made their escape, although 
our numbers were five times that of their own. When the 
firing ceased General l*leasenton sent the cavalry down to 
this road just in time to capture a few of the rear guard. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble gave the order to " charge after 
the flying troops," and away our boys sped until checked 
by coming upon the enemy. The rebel cavalry which had 
hastily formed for a charge, fired and then broke in all 
directions ; but their infantry, which were concealed at a 
bend in the road poured in a fatal volley. Sergeant 0. J. 
Moss, of Company L, fell pierced by three balls. Duggan, 
of Company C, was also killed, and they were brought oft' 
the field as we fell back, which we did as the artillery ap- 
proached. Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble was shot in the chest 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 1G3 

and severely wounded. He came back looking very pale, 
but still rode his charger. Three others were wounded. 
Falling back a short distance to give Tidball's flying artillery 
the road, we had the satisfaction of seeing the rebels driven 
from the field. The total loss of our regiment was two killed 
and five wounded. The federal loss was not great, and the 
number of rebel prisoners was about seventy-five. One cais- 
son was all the booty we know of. The command remained 
at Malvern Hill that night, and on Wednesday returned to 
their former camps, the Eighth Illinois forming the rear 
guard. 

During the time the army remained at Harrison's Landing 
some incidents occurred worth mentioning, the date of which 
I am unable to determine. At one time a battery placed on 
the south side of James river by the enemy, opened upon 
the federal camp. Several were killed and considerable 
confusion created, but the fire was returned and the enemy's 
guns soon silenced. The enemy would also fire with musketry 
into our vessels as they were passing up and down the river, 
endangering the lives of all on board, when it became neces- 
sary to convoy steamers, and h:ive gunboats patroling the 
river constantly. 

At another time while part of tlie regiment Avas on picket 
at HaxalFs Landing, Companies A and F, with a company 
of the Eighth Pennsylvania, were ordered out on a scout, in 
command of Captain Forsythe. I give the incident in the 
the language of one of the party : 

" We took the right, instead of going directly toward Mal- 
vern Hill ; crossed Turkey Creek, and seeing what were 
apparently pickets at a house on a hill in the distance, our 
column approached it. The two forward companies were 
rising the hill, having crossed the small bridge at the foot, 
when the third company was opened upon from a piece of 
woods on our flank, for a moment creating confusion, more 
among the horses than the men. We turned on the ambus- 
caders and soon routed them out of their cover. Following 



164 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

them up through the woods we came out into the opening 
just in time to help repulse a charge on Company A and the 
Pennsylvania boys ; they having gone around the house and 
received the charge in ^front while we gave the enemy an 
unexpected reception on their flank as they passed. When 
they retreated we retired getting out without a scratch. 
Their papers reported a loss of two killed and several wound- 
ed. It was a brisk skirmish for a fc\'V minutes, and one 
of our Avonderful escapes when pitted against superior 
numbers." 

A Lieutenant of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, 
with twenty of his men, was directed to make a reconnoisance 
to ascertain if Malvern Kill was held by a large force, lie 
was told to use all possible secrecy, and not reveal the object 
of the enterprize. lie was also advised to call upon the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, for a detail to act as guides. Ser- 
geant John A. Kinley, Ira Kennicott and Ira Pettys, with 
one or two others, undertook the perilous task of conducting 
the party through the enemy's lines. Passing out on the 
old mill road, up the Turkey Bend swamp and crossing the 
mill-dam, they cautiously made their way through the lines 
between the enemy's pickets unobserved ; and when coming 
near the hill the men were secreted in the swamp. While 
there the rebel patrol, or picket relief, passed in the rear of 
them, so near that the clanking of their sabres against the 
horses was heard distinctly. After they passed, the Lieuten- 
ant and SergeantKinley advanced through the brush some half 
a mile to the edge of the woods, and the sergeant stripped off 
hat, coat and boots, and with a field glass in hand climbed a 
sweet-gum tree some eighty feet high, to obtain a good view 
of the enemy. His object was attained, for there were the 
rebels in plain sight, with a very small force — not more than 
a squadron. Put off to the left about half a mile, some half 
dozen pickets were discovered, who, by their movements, 
had evidently observed the Sergeant, or at least mistrusted 
that all was not light. They formed in line of battle and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 165 

made an advance toward the tree. In this dilemma Sergeant 
Kinley was not long in descending, "bear fashion," and with- 
out waiting to put on boots or coat, caught up his clothes 
and gun, and with the Lieutenant started on double-quick 
for their men. Climbing the tree had greatly exhausted the 
Sergeant, and being bare-foot he could with difficulty keep up 
with his companion. The Lieutenant finally out-ran him, 
and notified his men, who soon came to the relief of their 
brave and courageous comrade. They then started for 
camp, and again evaded the pickets and reached their regi- 
ments after dark ; having accomplished the great feat and 
obtained most valuable information. 

After the last battle of Malvern Hill, (before related,) the 
army commenced its retreat from Harrison's Landing ; the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry bringing up the rear. 

There was a Avealthy planter, by the name of Hill Carter, 
living a few miles below Ilaxall's Landing, whose property 
was protected by safe guards of soldiers, stationed at con 
venient places on his premises. His cribs were well 
filled with corn, estimated at twelve thousand bushels, while 
many of our horses were starving — and this was no excep- 
tional case — the rebels were generally thus protected. 
Carter had two sons in the rebel army fighting against us ; 
and the Eighth boys could with difficulty submit to seeing 
their noble horses perish for lack of the sustenance he might 
have provided ; and being prevented from using his corn, 
they determined not to leave the place without some of the 
fine horses of which he boasted. Accordingly as the army 
withdrew, and the pickets were about to be drawn in, a little 
strategy was practiced upon the old gentleman. The guards 
had been withdrawn, when Sergeant Kinley went to the house 
with a squad of men, and told Carter that things were trans- 
piring which made it necessary that he should remain within 
his house that night, and that the first one who showed his 
head out of the door would be shot. Carter protested, but 
it was of no use — the orders had been imperative — and 



166 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

making a virtue out of necessity he retreated within doors. 
The Sergeant then placed his sentinels so that they could 
■watch the doors, and soon after dark the boys proceeded to 
the stables and selected the three best horses they could 
find ; "which were safely conducted to the retreating army, 
and did valuable service. 

In the spring of 18G4. one of the sons of Hill Carter was 
captured at Warrenton, by a party under Captain Corbit, 
and while taking him to Washington he was told that "those 
horses proved to be noble animals, and were still in the regi- 
ment ;" at which information he appeared greatly chagrined. 

The army crossed the Chickahominy near its mouth, on a 
pontoon bridge, the Eighth Illinois being the last to cross. 
A few minutes after it was over, the fastenino-s were loosed 
and the boats floated down the stream. A number of strag- 
glers soon appeared on the opposite bank, and were taken 
on board the pontoons. Five or six smoky gunboats were 
just below as guards, besides several tugs used to tow the 
pontoons, of which there Avere about a hundred. 

Tuesday morning we took up our line of march for James- 
town. It will be remembered that this was the first place 
settled in Virginia. But little now remains to call to mind 
its former history. 

At Williamsburg, six miles distant, the regiment left the 
rear, and passing through town halted in a meadow to feed 
the horses and to refresh and rest the men. A patch of 
potatoes was discovered, and a skirmish at once ensued, 
in which the potatoes were completely vanquished. At six 
o'clock Wednesday morning we were on the march again, 
reached Yorktown about ten o'clock A. M. During the 
retreat the dust was very deep, and rose in clouds so as to 
almost smother both men and horses. Everything was com- 
pletely covered with it on reaching Yorktown, and numerous 
ablutions in York river were necessary to restore the original 
color. In the meantime the work of shipping the army was 
proceeding, and our regiment waited their turn to take boats 
for Alexandria. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 167 

A new organization of the regiment had been made just 
previous to leaving Haxall's Landing. From right to left 
the companies standing as follows : 

FIRST BATTALION, MAJOR CLENDENNIN. 

Company G, Captain Medill, commanding squadron. 
Company A, Captain Forsythe. 

Company E, Captain Kelley, commanding squadron. 
Company B, Captain Smith. 

THIRD BATTALION, MAJOR DUSTIN. 

Company I, Captain Rapelje, commanding squadron. 
Company M, Captain Martin. 

Company C, Captain Clark, commanding squadron. 
Company L, Captain Waite. 

SECOND BATTALION, MAJOR BEVERIDGE. 

Company K, Captain Farnsworth, commanding squadron. 

Company D, Lieutenant Verbeck in command. 

Company II, Captain Southworth, commanding squadron. 

Company F, Captain Ludlam. 

Lieutenant Ilynes of Company G, Adjutant. 

While at Harrison's Landing the cavalry brigade to which 
the Eighth Illinois belonged, was under command of General 
Pleasanton, and some of the officers of the Eighth were on 
the General's staff. 

The regiment shipped at York town on the 30th of August, 
and a part arrived at Alexandria September 1st, and the 
remainder about noon, September 2d. 



CIIAPTEU VIL 

A view of the situation -AdViUiCe into >l;irylaiKl — ISiUllc of I'oolvilltj— (.'apliiniig the 
>;inth Virjjiiiia colors— Battle of IJarnsvillo— CaiJturiiiL; of Sugar Loaf Moiiiitaiu— 
IJaltle of Frederick, Marylaud— Battle of Middletowu — Battle of South Mountain- 
Battle of Boonl^boro— Battle of Aixtietam — A day's delay —Artillery duel— First reeoii- 
noisance to Sheplierdstown — Second reconuoisancc to Shepherdstovvn — Buttle of 
Martint-burg — The rebels' opinion of the Eighth lllinoiis Cavalry. 

Having now returned to tlie point from wliich we started 
for the field, in March, let us take a view of the situation. 
It is plain from what has transpired that the so-called Penin- 
sula Campaign had proved a grand failure. But why, 
even after our retreat from before llichmond, have we been 
brought back to defend the Capitol ? While our army was 
lying on the James river, General Pope having been put in 
command at Washington, advanced on the line we first 
essayed, and when upon the Rapidan met the enemy, who, 
with their main army, were making rapid advances in order, 
if possible, to overpower him and reach Washington before 
he could be rc-inforced by the army under General McClellan. 
To meet this new movement our army was withdrawn ; a 
part reaching General Pope in time to participate in the 
bloody engagements which were then being fought. Gen- 
erals Fitz John Porter, Kearney, Stevens and other com- 
mands, were among the troops engaged. We will not stop 
to argue the point as to who was to blame in these terrible 
battles. The second Bull Kun battle was fought while our 
regiment was in transit from Yorktown, and that of Chantillo 
the day before it landed at Alexandria. In these engage- 
ments the much lamented Kearney, Stevens, Taylor and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 169 

'Colonel Fletcher Webster (son of Daniel Webster,) fell, 
-.martyrs to their country. Just at the close of these battles, 
and as the ememy were rushing on toward Washington, our 
regiment landed, and was sent to the front without a moments 
.notice. 

Colonel Farnsworth, as well as the writer, had been home 
for a short time on sick leave, but had returned as far as 
Alexandria, and were there awaiting the arrival of the regi- 
ment. There was also a number of recruits with us, among 
whom were George E. Corwin, afterwards Veterinary Sur- 
geon, Franklin Mighell,.Fink and Hooton. We were there 
when the battles just recorded took place, and had the pain- 
ful privilege of volunteering our services to assist in attend- 
ing the wounded, as thousands needed such assistance. It 
was here that we first met Miss Clara Barton, one of the 
.heroines of the war. 

The regiment brought with it several sick comrades. Dr. 
•Crawford, who had returned to Harrison's Landing shortly 
after I left in July, was again unwell, and after obtaining 
Tooma for a hospital, on Wolf street, he and Robert Sill were 
left in charge, while I, with Dr. Stull, (who had returned 
from hospital improved in health though still feeble,) followed 
the regiment to the field of action. Majors Clendennin and 
Beveridge were among the sick left at Alexandria. 

Tuesday, September 2d, the regiment moved to Munson's 
Hill, and was at once put on duty as videttes and scouts. 

Wednesday, the 3d, while skirmishing with the enemy's 
advance on the Leesburg turnpike, Scott, of Company E, 
was shot through the foot. Although there was considerable 
firing of artillery and some small arms, but few casualties 
occurred. 

September 4th, we had just laid down upon the ground 
for the night when the order came for us to "march." The 
command was soon in motion, and crossing the Potomac 
river upon the Aqueduct bridge at Georgetown, passed 
through the city, and reached Tennellytown about eleven 
22 



170 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

o'clock at night, where it again attempted to rest, but, as be- 
fore, was doomed to disappointment, for notice was received 
to again take up the line of march. At twelve o'clock the 
march was resumed and continued the remainder of the 
night and until ten o'clock the next day, when we reached 
Darnstown, Maryland, where we rested for an hour, partook 
of some refreshments and were then in the saddle again for a 
scout; but returned to the grove at Darnstown to camp for 
the night, having marched forty-six miles since leaving Mun- 
son's Hill, without feeding our horses. 

The enemy had gone up the Potomac on the Virginia side 
and made dashes across into Maryland, carrying off conscripts, 
and it was our purpose to prevent this. It was here that we 
became associated with a part of the Third Indiana Cavalry, 
(who came under command of Colonel Farnsworth,) true 
western boys, to whom our men became so attached in the 
course of the war that they appeared like members of the 
same regiment. 

I would here remark that the men of this regiment fur- 
nished their own horses, which consequently had no govern- 
ment marks upon them ; and it is said that they were among 
the best mounted men in the field, and while in the enemy's, 
country, although they lost many horses in battle, always 
managed to keep well mounted, and generally had a few 
horses to spare. 

On Saturday, September 6th, the First Massachusetts 
Cavalry were fired into near Poolville, and suffered severely 
in wounded and prisoners. 

September 7th a party of the Eighth Illinois and Third 
Indiana made a reconnoisance, and dashing into Poolville 
created quite a sensation among the rebels, capturing two 
prisoners, one horse, saddle and equipments and putting the 
rebels to flight. Captain Farnsworth led the charge and 
rushed through the town on a fiery little mustang, actually 
running down the enemy mounted on their picked horses. 
This move was made by order of Colonel Farnsworth on his 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 171 

own account, and revealed the fact that the rumor that Pool- 
ville was occupied by a large force, was false, the place being 
held by a very few. The information thus obtained and 
what was gained from the prisoners was highly important, 
and when reported to General Pleasanton, under whom we 
were now serving, he bestowed a high compliment upon us 
for "having a way of doing business on our own hook. The 
same afternoon we had services in the church at Darnstown, 
and patriotic songs sung by the regiment. Major Dustin, 
who had been absent, returned to take leave of the resriment, 
having been appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and 
Fifth Illinois Infantry. Colonel Farnsworth was put in 
command of the cavalry brigade, and Major Medill assumed 
command of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

Monday morning we advanced to Poolville. The Third 
Indiana being in the front had a severe fight just out of 
the town. The rebels withstood a charge of the Indiana 
boys, and for a short time the struggle was severe ; but 
the enemy were routed and driven from the field, leaving 
eight dead and aHout twenty wounded. For a considerable 
length of time before the charge, our two pieces of artillery 
were engaged with an equal number of the enemy's guns, 
which were effectually silenced, their horses having been shot 
down so that it was with difficulty they withdrew their guns 
from the field. 

Ofi" to the right. Company D, of the Eighth, had a spirited 
encounter with the enemy, which they drove before them, 
killing one, with no loss to our side. An accident occurred 
to Charles Wilhelm by his horse falling and breaking his 
collar bone. The loss to the Third Indiana was eleven men 
wounded — one fatally and several severely. 

That night we encamped at Poolville, and on the morning 
of the 9th were again moving forward in the direction of 
Barnesville, up the Potomac. Passing over the scenes of 
the previous fight, a short distance brought the contending 
forces again into close quarters. The regiment was now 



1Y2 THE ETGHTM ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

divided into several detachments. One of these under com- 
mand of Captain Farnsworth, encountered the Ninth Vir- 
ginia Cavalry, and immediately charged them. The enemy 
formed in line and withstood the attack for a moment, but 
gave way before the determined charge of our men, in doing 
which some of their horses were shot down, and others falling 
over these, both men and horses were thrown into heaps. 
Some escaped through fields and woods, while others were 
chased and overtaken by our superior horsemen. The enemy 
sustained a loss of one killed and several wounded, and eight 
prisoners together with their regimental colors all of which 
were brought to headquarters. 

On a road a few miles to the right, another detachment 
commanded by Captain Kelly met the rebels and engaged 
them in a fierce combat, driving them at full speed through 
Barnesville and nearly two miles beyond. In this engage- 
ment they captured thirteen prisoners and wounded five men. 

The following incident is related by a member of Com- 
pany B : "In this charge Corporal George M. Roe, of 
Company B, rode a splendid horse thot he nad brought from 
Shabbona, Illinois, known by the name of " Lamkins Billy," 
and which had been sold for his incurable viciousness. In 
the cavalry service Billy seemed to have found his element, 
and was one of the fleetest horses in the army. Dashing in 
at an uncontrollable speed in the excitement of the chase 
amid the clouds of dust he carried his rider far in advance 
of the rest of the regiment and beyond a group of four dust- 
covered flying rebels ; when Roe finally stopped him and 
turned back, the four rebs approached, with revolver in hand 
George summoned them to surrender. One moved to get 
out his revolver and George shot him through the mouth. 
Then covering the three remaining with his revolver he held 
them in the road some five minutes when some of Captain 
Kelley's company came up and they were all taken prisoners. 
Three good horses and four rebels with their equipments 
were the result of this capture." 



^E fimaTlt ILtiNois caValrv. 1?3 

After passing Barnesville the enemy attempted several 
times to rally, but at each attempt were frustrated and bro- 
ken up. A Lieutenant Williams was firing his revolver at 
our men when Captain Kelly came upon him. It was a des- 
perate moment. The Captain ordered him to surrender, but 
he refused, at the same time pointing his pistol at his oppo- 
nant, was about to fire, when Captain Kelly, being a little 
more expert, fired first, the ball passing through his liver 
and lodging in the abdomen, produced a mortal wound. lie 
was taken to a farm house and all the care and attention 
bestowed upon him that the case demanded, but he did not 
survive the day. Before his death Captain Kelly called upon 
him and expressed his regret at the necessity which com- 
pelled him to fire. The Lieutenant exhonerated him from 
all blame, saying " I refused to surrender, and would have 
shot you if I could have fired first." 

Our regiment halted at Barnesville and the rebels soon 
made their appearance and deploying as skirmishers advanced 
through an open field upon a part of our men, who were 
thrown out in front of the village. Near headquarters a 
section of our artillery was placed, and when they had 
approached near enough to be within good range, the guns 
were opened upon them, firing over the heads of our men. 
The first shot struck in the midst of the enemy and produced 
a great scampering, to the delight and amusement of our 
boys ; the second shot falling short carried away the nose of 
a horse, on which was seated Solomon Jewell, without, how- 
ever, injuring the rider. Among the prisoners was one Dr. 
Rose who was very anxious to be left to attend their wounded, 
but as he was then a fighting man he could not claim the 
privilege of non-combatant, accorded to surgeons and 
chaplains, and so was taken along with us. The rebel wounded 
were left with a rebel citizen doctor, at Barnesville. 

That night we remained at Barnesville and our wagons 
came up from Rockville with provisions. On the night of 
September 9th, S. S. Boon, of Company B, was attacked 



174 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

while on picket, but emptied his assailant's saddle and brought 
his horse and equipments into camp. 

In sight of Barnesville, and only a few miles distant, stands 
Sugar Loaf Mountain towering high in the air, from whose 
summit the country can be seen from a great distance in all 
directions. On the top of this mountain was a rebel signal 
station, where their signal flag could be seen waving all day 
and their signal fires swinging to and fro at night. 

September 10th, the Sixth United States Regular Cavalry 
attempted to take this mountain and capture the signal 
station, but were unsuccessful. One or two companies of 
the Eighth Illinois were ordered to support them, but when 
the rebel artillery opened their fire, the Sixth Cavalry beat 
a hasty retreat, leaving our men in a very critical and danger- 
ous position. They however extricated themselves without 
loss, while the Sixth Cavalry lost a number killed and 
wounded. 

Other detachments of the regiment were sent in various 
directions ; one toward the mouth of the Monococy, where 
it drove in the rebel pickets and had a lively skirmish. 

On the 11th, another expedition was planned to capture 
the mountain. Our regiment was to take a round-about 
route and encircle the east side. Other cavalry some other 
sides, while General Franklin's infantry, which was just 
arriving, was to defend the west ; but the enemy probably 
discovered our movements from their elevated position, so 
that after a hard day's march we actually took the mountain, 
though not until they had made good their escape. A party 
of our regiment advanced to the summit and fired a volley 
therefrom. 

Early in the morning of the 12th, we were called to march 
and it proved to be a very tedious days work, as it had 
rained the previous day arfd night, making the roads very 
muddy. At Clarksville, six miles distant, we came upon 
General Sumner's corps, in which were several men from 
Aurora, Illinois, in a New York battery, viz : Thomas Bates, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 175 

Oscar Bates, Henry Gushing and Henry Morgan, as good 
and true soldiers as any other western boys. We also met 
General Bank's corps marching up the river to intercept the 
army under General Lee, which was also ascending the 
l*oiomac, and was said to be crossing at Point of Rocks — 
which is the place where tlie Potomac makes its way through 
the Katochin Mountains. The roads being crowded with 
these troops we were obliged to take a circuitous route, and 
actually traveled thirty-three miles to reach Frederick City, 
which by a direct route was but sixteen miles distant from 
our starting point in the morning. 

It was dark before we arrived at Frederick City, but 
there were many evidences of union feeling existing there, 
and we received a most hearty welcome and greeting. The 
rebels had left there a few hours before our arrival, and a 
detachment of union cavalry had entered the town during 
the afternoon. Passing through the city we encamped about 
a mile beyond, without blankets, as our baggage had not 
arrived. We were informed that the rebels had received 
about three hundred recruits here, and lost a few men by 
desertion. We concluded the citizens were pretty equally 
divided in sentiment. While the place was in possession of 
rebels, the business men were forced to sell their wares for 
confederate script, or have them confiscated without any re- 
muneration, one alternative being equal to the other. Many 
were thus ruined, for the town had been pretty thoroughly 
pillaged. On the hills but a short distance to the west, and 
in plain sight, the enemy's camp-fires were burning, and we 
rested as well as we could, expecting an encounter the next 
morning. 

September 13th, at early dawn the bugle calls could be 
heard in the camps, and the troops prepared for an advance. 
On reaching the first- range of hills west of the city we found 
the enemy with their artillery well planted to dispute the 
pass. An engagement ensued and lasted until noon, in 
which our regiment met with no loss. The artillery practice 



176 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

was lively, but the infantry coming up soon drove them from 
the position, and we went forward in hot pursuit. 

In the beautiful valley between the Katochin and Blue 
Ridge Mountains, is nestled the village of Middletown, where 
the enemy made another stand, but were again driven from 
the field by our brave and noble patriots. On falling back 
they set fire to the fine bridge which spanned the stream, in 
order to impede our progress. The fire communicated with 
a large barn and a machine shop, which were totally des- 
troyed together with their valuable contents. This wanton 
destruction of private property did not tend to gain friends 
for the perpetrators, and we wercreceived with joyful demon- 
strations. The ladies came into the street with large slices 
of good bread well buttered, and distributed among the 
men, vicing with each other in acts of kindness and loyality. ' 

We forded the river and pursued the retreating enemy 
toward South Mountain, where they again formed in line of 
battle. A detachment consisting of one squadron of the 
Eighth Illinois and a part of the Third Indiana, under com- 
mand of Major Medill, went towards Harper's Ferry, and 
became engaged with a superior force, in which we suffered 
severely. Eight men belonging to our regiment were wounded 
and a large number of the Third Indiana. Corporal Ploffer, 
of Company A, was mortally wounded, and George Bower, 
of CompanyF, was shot through the stomach, from which 
woun4 he almost miraculously recovered. One man of the 
Third Indiana had his skull split open by a sabre stroke. 
F. B. Wakefield of Company G, was taken prisoner by the 
rebels, who after taking him a short distance attempted to 
kill him. They gave him several cuts over the head with 
sabres, and leaving him for dead fled for fear of pursuit. 
He, however, rallied and made his way into our lines. For 
this brutal treatment he swore vengeance on his would-be 
murderers, and it is said that he well redeemed his pledge 
and satisfied his wrath. Such inhuman conduct toward 
prisoners is now denied by rebel historians, but the Eighth 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 177 

Illinois Cavalry can attest to the truth of the statements. 
The wounded of this battle were placed in a church at 
Middletown, and the ladies turned out by scores to attend 
to their wants, and furnished refreshments and all necessary 
comforts. At the pass at South Mountain, A. P. Thorns 
succeeded in capturing two men, and S. G. Egleston of Com- 
pany D, was shot through the thigh, severing the main nerve 
and rendering him a cripple for life. 

September 14th occurred the memorable battle of South 
Mountain. Having driven the enemy into the mountain 
fastnesses, where they had planted their cannon so as to com- 
mand the passes, cavalry could be of little use, and we 
awaited the arrival of the infantry. The battle did not rage 
with fury until after noon. From our position on the turn- 
pike leading from Frederick City to Hagerstown, we could 
watch the battle as it progressed. The rattle of musketry 
became terrific, and for a time our forces drove the enemy, 
when they would be repulsed, but again advance with shouts 
and cheers. While this was in progress, skirmishing was 
going on in our front and to the right, and ere long the 
whole line of the mountain reverberated with the sound of 
arms. From rock and cliff and overhanging precipice the 
thunder of cannon was echoed with a roar that was almost 
deafening. Just at dusk men came along bearing on their 
shoulders a litter, on which was the lifeless remains of Gen- 
eral Reno ; but the battle still raged and grew fierce in front 
and to the right. At last General Hooker's division gained 
the mountain's crest, turned their position and put the enemy 
to flight ; while in the center the sharp crack of the rifle and 
the lightning flash of the musketry could be heard and seen 
in the darkness until after nine o'clock. 

Many of the wounded were brought to a farm house on 
the turnpike, where straw was scattered in the yard, on 
which they were placed and the surgeons and assistants were 
wearily working all night to relieve their distress. While 

engaged with the wounded a voice called out at a short dis- 
23 



178 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

tance, "Dr. Hard, is that you?" I answered the summons 
and found Lieutenant Arthur Ellis, of the Sixth Wisconsin 
Infantry, severely wounded in the leg. lie had been a resi- 
dent of my own village from childhood, and knew my voice 
although he could not sec mc. We spared no pains to make 
him as comfortable as his wound would admit. In this 
memorable battle Daniel Snyder, of Company E, was killed. 

Early in the morning it was found that the enemy had 
retreated, and our regiment took the advance in the pursuit. 
In passing over the scenes of the previous night's engage- 
ment there were to be seen many marks of the. bloody en- 
counter. Behind a stone fence, where the rebels had been 
firing, and from which they were driven only by a desperate 
bayonet charge, lay a number of their dead ; and on the 
right, where General Hooker's command had so gallantly 
charged and defeated them, the dead could be counted by 
scores. 

Our regiment was now divided ; six companies, led by 
Colonel Farnsworth, taking the main turnpike, and another 
party taking a route over the mountains, to the left. After 
passing the summit ^of South Mountain and descending 
into the valley, we found almost every house and barn con- 
verted into a hospital for the rebel soldiers. We dismounted 
at a few places to see how they were being cared for, but 
before we had made much of an investigation found that the 
regiment was in hot pursuit, and we were compelled to again 
mount and follow at a brisk canter. 

It was about three miles from the mountain to the village 
of Eoonesboro, where a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, 
headed by Fitz Hugh Lee, made a stand. Colonel Farns- 
worth ordered a charge, and so impetuous was the onset that 
the enemy broke and beat a hasty retreat, closely pursued 
by our men. Several attempts were made by the enemy to 
rally and form a new line, as often they failed. Thus for a 
distance of two miles was kept up a running, hand to hand 
fight until the rebels had scattered on different roads and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 179 

through fields, making further pursuit unavailing. In this 
encounter great courage vras displayed on both sides, of 
vrhich many interesting incidents are related. One of these 
is that Colonel Farnsworth became engaged with one of the 
enemy, whom he shot from his horse, but while on the chase 
after him, another was in pursuit of Farnsworth, and with 
uplifted sabre was about to strike a deadly blow, when a man 
of Company B, (I regret that I have not been able to pro- 
cure his name,) seeing the danger of our loved and honored 
leader, fired, and brought to the ground the Colonel's assail- 
ant. Many were the encounters no less daring and perilous. 
Fitz Hugh Lee was unhorsed, and made his escape through 
a cornfield. His horse and equipments fell into our hands. 
Our loss was Sergeant Robert McArthur killed, and twenty- 
three wounded. Among the wounded were Captain Kelly, 

Solomon Jewell and Jones ; the latter we found lying 

in a field some fifty yards from the road and by his sid« a 
rebel, who was so covered with blood and dirt that he scarcely 
looked like a human being. Upon examination, however, 
it was found that his wounds and bruises were not of a serious 
nature, and he was taken into camp a prisoner. Jones was 
shot through the chest ; the ball entering one side between 
the ribs, and lodging under the skin of the opposite. For a 
week he was unable to breath when lying; and yet he recov- 
ered, was discharged, and enlisted again and did good service 
in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. Corporal Flagg was 
severely wounded in the arm, and Morris Stull was struck 
with a sabre. 

Eight dead rebels were found along the road, and many 
wounded. One poor fellow, mortally wounded and suffering 
the most excruciating pain, implored us to kill him outright. 
We took his name and address, and promised to write to his 
family ; assuring him he could live but a short time we gave 
him an anodyne to mitigate his agony, and passed on to 
attend to others. Returning an hour later we found he had 

expired. Among our captures were four pieces of artillery. 

( 



180 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

The following brief account of a gallant and strategic 
transaction which well illustrates the daring of our men, we 
copy from a report of Lieutenant Granger ; 

" On the 15th of September when General Pleasanton's 
brigade was leading the advance of the union forces through 
Boonsboro in pursuit of the enemy retreating from South Moun- 
tain, I had the honor to be one of General Pleasanton's Aids, 
and as such was in some degree assisting and directing the move- 
ments of our cavalry in pursuit. It having been reported 
to me by a Captain of General Richardson's staff that some 
rebel cavalry were eflfecting their escape by some by-road, to 
the left of the Sharpsburg road, I sent Sergeant Joseph 
Clapp, Corporal George Brown, privates Morris and Wecham, 
under command of Sergeant Will A. Spencer, all of tlie 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, whom the officers directed as to the 
position of the rebels, and they willingly and eagerly started 
in pursuit. I am happy to report that their success far ex- 
ceeded my most ardent expectations. Sergeant Spencer 
and his Squad, surprised and sent back in charge of a single 
one of their number several men whom they had found armed 
and equipped ; and when about two miles from Boonsboro, 
with a force of but three men besides himself, he came in 
sight of the enemy's strongly fortified picket line. Here 
this squad of four surprised a corporal and thirteen men 
from the Third North Carolina Regiment, armed with Enfield 
rifles and equipments, guns loaded and capped, but so deter- 
mined was their bearing that the fourteen threw down their 
arms and marched away from within rifle-shot of their picket 
lines without even so much as snapping a cap. These four- 
teen, together with the thirty-four others, making forty-eight, 
were marched back to Boonsboro, and thence to Frederick 
City. I may say in addition that in the battle of Fair Oaks, 
as staff" officers to General E. D. Keys, Fourth Corps, I had 
occasion to compliment Sergeant Spencer for gallant and 
courageous conduct, A. P. Granger, 

Lieutenant and Adjutant Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and A. G. 
Brigade." 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 181 

Our loss in prisoners was trifling, but among those taken 
were Henry Churchill and A. V. Teeple. An account 
of the capture of the latter we give in his own language, 
copied from a private letter, written at Patrolled Camp, 
Maryland : 

" Our squadron in coming to the front was charged furious- 
ly by the rebels, and in rallying to withstand it my horse 
stumbled two or three times, throwing me to the ground. 
After regaining my feet and while re-mounting, the rebel 
officers at the head of the company dashed by and struck 
me on the head. I was soon hurried to the rear, for the 
shots were pouring through their ranks thick and fast. Tying 
up my head which bled more than it hurt, I rode by my escort 
to Williamsport, some eight miles distant, where he waited 
till I could have it dressed. This was done by a good, union 
surgeon. He said the skull was not fractured, only cut 
partially through. This timely aid caused it to commence 
healing, and it is now quite well. I was taken to Martins- 
burg, Virginia. Thanks to the kind-hearted cavalier in 
charge, I had the unusual privilege of riding my own horse 
to the prison door. I then went to the federal hospital, Dr. 
Ira Brown in charge, where were sick of the former garrison, 
including some thirty of the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, 
and a few of the Second Illinois Artillery. Among my 
"Sucker" friends and even former acquaintances, I was 
quite at home. From this time we drew our third rations, 
(I mean United States rations,) which, with the bountiful 
supply of the union citizens, constituted a good larder. Not 
one of the hospital patients there but would say ' God bless 
the union inhabitants of Martinsburg.' The whole week the 
booming of cannon was heard, and it did not recede or lessen 
in loudness, much to the pleasure of our convalescent party. 
If ever the roaring, incessant thundering of cannon sounded 
cheering, we experienced it there. We were parolled Wed- 
nesday, the 24th inst., and on Friday we started for Harper's 
Ferry via Charlestown, arriving there Saturday evening. 



182 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Next morning took the cars for this place where we arrived 
to-day. There are at a rough estimate, three to four thous- 
and here at present." 

Of the wounded among the enemy was Lieutenant Hil 
Carter, from whose father our men had taken three valuable 
horses while on the Peninsula. He was severely but not 
fatally injured. 

The number of prisoners taken in this fight was about five 
hundred ; and let it be remembered that this was accom- 
plished by a part of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. I challenge 
the world for an example of a more daring or better executed 
charge and one that was better followed up than this at 
the battle of Boonsboro. General Pleasanton was with us 
in person, and was delighted with the manner of our fighting 
and the great success of the day. 

One incident I must relate, and though it necessitates 
using my own name, I think I should not withhold it through 
modesty. It was dark before our wounded were properly 
cared for, and the infantry and cavalry were now passing 
through the town by thousands and going in the direction of 
Sharpsburg, whither the army of General Lee had retreated, 
when some farmers came in from the country and informed 
us that two of our cavalrymen were wounded, and now at 
the house of a certain doctor in a little village called Mount 
Pleasant, some four or five miles to the right. This story 
was repeated by other parties, and knowing that in the 
rapid pursuit of the enemy our men had scattered in various 
directions, we concluded that the report might be true. 
After consulting Colonel Farnsworth, at about ten o'clock 
at night, we took an ambulance and an orderly and started 
in search of our men, our route being in an opposite direc- 
tion to that taken by the army. On arriving at the 
village, although it was now about midnight, we found the 
inhabitants all astir and every house lighted. The events of 
the two preceding days had been so exciting that everybody 
was awake and on the alert. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 183 

Upon reaching the doctor's house we found none of our 
men there, but two rebels had been wounded by our boys 
and taken there preparatory to being taken to camp. We 
were about to return when a young man considerably intoxi- 
cated, came and informed me that in a house near by was a 
rebel soldier, secreted by the women in the parlor. One 
wing of the building was used for a store, and thought if I 
would go through the store into the parlor I could capture 
him without difficulty. I was inclined to believe his story, 
and although I knew surgeons were non-combatants, the 
temptation was too great to resist. So halting in front of 
the store, after removing my surgeon's sash, we walked 
through the store and into the parlor without knocking ; and 
there seated upon a sofa in an elegantly furnished room was 
a soldier in rebel gray, with a plate of cake and pie of which 
he was making a supper. In one corner of the room stood 
his musket, and by his side lay a revolver, while three ladies 
were treating him to the luxuries of the house and bestowing 
upon him their sweetest smiles. Presenting a pistol I de- 
manded a surrender of his arms and told him that he must 
go with us. He made no resistance ; but the ladies were 
very indignant, and heaped all manner of opprobrious 
epithets upon the "impudent yankee who dared to enter their 
house without knocking," for which we determined to pay 
them with interest. Coming to the door and seeing the am- 
bulance he asked if he might ride, as he was very tired. 
This I thought oflFered a chance for retaliation upon the 
women, and I inquired. 

"How long since you changed your shirt 'r Are you not 
lousy?" 

At these questions the women were in a towering rage, but 
the man very nonchalantly replied : 

" It is about three weeks since I had a clean shirt, and I 
reckon I have a right smart of graybacks." 

We passed out, but the women overheard the answer and 
retreated. On looking back through the open door we saw 



184 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

them with candles in hand examining the sofa and carpet, 
and from their excited appearance and the "live" condition 
of our prisoner, we concluded they found they had enter- 
tained more "graybacks" than they at first anticipated. 
Our prisoner was marched before us to Boonsboro, and 
added one more to the great number already in captivity. 

The union citizens of Boonsboro, of whom there were 
many, were untiring in their devotion to our wounded, of 
which service the Eighth Illinois still retain grateful lemem- 
brance. The regiment marched to near Kecdysville and 
went into camp. The enemy had taken up a strong position 
at Sharpsburg, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, the 
line between the two armies being Antietam Creek ; and our 
cavalry were employed in ascertaining their position. 

September 16th, we remained in the woods a mile or two 
in advance of Keedysville, and not more than that distance 
from the enemy's line, and were engaged in reconnoitcring. 
The artillery were amusing themselves with desultory prac- 
tice with but little effect, and infantry and artillery were 
arriving by thousands. To our left the garrison of Harper's 
Ferry had been attacked and surrendered to the enemy, 
much to the astonishment and chagrin of all who learned 
the sad intelligence. That night a part of the Eighth Xew 
York and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry eluded the guards and 
made their escape from Harper's Feri'y, and going around 
via Williamsport and Hagerstown were enabled to join the 
union army. 

On the morning of the 17th, a little after daylight, the 
battle of Antietam was fairly commenced. At first we were 
held in reserve, but were soon ordered to the front to sup- 
port a battery near the center of the union line. We had to 
cross the stone bridge over Antietam Creek, on the turnpike 
leading from Boonsboro to Shai-psburg, in direct range with 
the ememy's cannon, where but a few moments before sev- 
eral of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry had been killed 
while crossing, among whom was the Colonel of the regiment; 



I 




BREVET B>RIG.GENL DANIEL DUSTIlN, 



OF SYCAMORE. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 185 

none of our brigade were injured although the fire was 
terrific and almost incessant. We were soon posted in sup- 
port of Robinson's battery, under cover of a hill, which 
afforded some protection from the enemy's shot and shell 
which, passing directly over our heads, would strike the 
opposite bank of the stream or dash into the waters. Our 
own guns were placed on the hill in our rear and also firing 
over our heads. The roar of the cannon of the opposing 
armies combined, produced an almost deafening noise. 

Occasionally a slug from the cartridge would fall in our 
midst. In this manner several of the Third Indiana were 
wounded. At one time one of the rebel shells fell short 
without bursting, and striking the hill in our front came 
tumbling and skipping along, passing through our ranks into 
the creek some twenty yards in our rear. The men, as by 
instinct, suddenly opened their ranks and let the unwelcome 
messenger pass without doing any damage. After remaining 
in this position for several hours, we moved up the creek a 
distance of about half a mile, while the shells were passing 
over our heads from the front and rear, but almost miracu- 
lously none of them did any damage. On our right the 
battle raged with varying success. General Hooker was in 
command in this part of the field, and was wounded, and 
General Sumner supplied his place. 

To and fro the armies swayed over a field that was repeat- 
edly won and lost, until the ground was strewn with dead 
and dying, and neither side gained very great advantage. 
On our left, at the lower stone bridge across the Antietam 
where General Burnside commanded, the battle was terribly 
sanguinary, the crossing was finally efi'ected, but the slaughter 
was heart-sickening. In the center I think our success was 
probably better, but purchased with an almost inconceivable 
loss of life. 

The "Irish Brigade" and One Hundred and Thirtieth 
Pennsylvania, here made a desperate charge over an open 
field and dislodged the enemy from a lane, which had been 
24 



186 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

gullied out by the rain, so that it made, with the stones pilei 
along its edge ready to be made into a fence, an excellent 
barricade. They also drove them from a cornfield in front 
of the lane, from which a deadly fire had been kept up for 
many hours. Night closed upon a hard fought battle, wherein 
we thought the union army had achieved a victory. 

After dark our regiment was marched back half a mile 
and rested for the night, confidently expecting to renew the 
battle in the morning, as we knew the enemy had been 
forced from their position along the whole line of conflict. 
The night was spent in caring for the wounded. At a farm- 
house, used for a hospital, we again met Miss Clara 
Barton. Many of the wpunded had been taken back to 
Keedysville, where Assistant-Surgeon Stull and I labored 
most of the night. Among the wounded we had to treat was 
Major Sedgwick, who was mortally wounded by a severe shot 
in the spine. It is useless to recite the tales of suffering. 
It was a repetition of our former battles with which we had 
now become familiar. 

It seems that during the progress of the battle, the victori- 
ous rebel forces from Harper's Ferry had reinforced Gen- 
eral Lee ; otherwise it is doubtful if he could have held out 
during the day. Little rest was obtained that night, and 
all were prepared for an early advance in the morning ; but 
morning came and went, with no orders to march. 

During the forenoon Dr. Stull and I went out to the 
field where the "Irish Brigade" had made their famous 
charge, with the hope of aiding some of the poor, suffering 
rebels, who still lay upon the field, weltering in thoir own 
blood and surrounded by their dead comrades. We reached 
the lane and were attempting to aid a rebel captain, who told 
us they had not so much as wet their parched lips for thirty 
hours, and implored our assistance not only for himself but 
for the suffering ones around him. While we wei*e thus em- 
ployed some rebel sharp-shooters, who lay concealed behind 
a board fence scarcely forty rods distant, fired upon us. The 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 187 

first shot struck within two feet of me, throwing the dirt 
upon mj clothes ; while the second passed in close proximity 
to Dr. Stull's nose. We thought this was a little too warm 
work, and that we could not lend these miserable creatures 
our aid, upon such conditions, and consequently beat a hasty 
retreat. As we left they sent up a wail for help so piteous 
and imploring, that to this day I am haunted by the recol- 
lection. No other attempt was made to rescue them until 
the next morning, when on visiting the ground again not one 
was found alive. The captain we attempted to assist had 
evidently bled to death for want of attention. 

This lane was less than sixty rods in length, and when the 
dead were taken out to be interred they numbered nearly one 
thousand. They were buried in pits, two to three hundred 
being placed in each pit, or hole. No advance or fighting 
occurred during that day. Most of the regiment remained 
in camp, while a portion Avent on a scout. 

September 16th. Early in the morning we received orders 
to advance, but during the night the enemy had escaped 
across the Potomac. We made a rapid march over the battle- 
field, and through the village of Sharpsburg. Here nearly 
every house and building gave evidence of the terrible battle, 
and several had been set on fire by the bursting of shells 
and were now mouldering ruins. Even the. " Liberty Pole," 
in the center of the town had been struck and shattered. 
Passing on we came up with a few stragglers, but all their 
troops and valuable stores were on the Virginia side of the 
Potomac, and the bridge at Shepherdstown had been 
destroyed. 

As our brigade was ascending a hill the rebel batteries 
which had been placed in a commanding position on the Vir- 
ginia shore, so as to enfilade the road, opened upon us a 
heavy fire. The first shots passed over our heads, and 
burst in the rear of the column. The firing was very rapid 
and accurate, but a little too high, and for a wonder none of 
the shots took efi"ect. The brigade fell back under cover of 



188 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

a hill and let the artillery advance, and for a short time 
there was a lively artillery battle. 

Early this morning, before our arrival, the Fourth Mich- 
igan Volunteer Infantry crossed the river, surprised and cap- 
tured four cannons from the enemy, some of which were now 
turned upon them. In this movement several young men 
were conspicuous and daring, among whom Avere Lieutenants 
M. J. Vreeland, Sage, Malty, Bancroft and Gordon, the 
latter being severely wounded. After the firing ceased we 
were ordered back. 

Before dsrylight, on the morning of the 20th, Colonel 
Farnsworth received orders to move with his brigade in the 
direction of Winchester ; and in due time the command was 
upon the march. Upon arriving at the river, opposite Shep- 
herdstown, we found that some of the infantry had already 
crossed and were engaged with the enemy. One Pennsyl- 
vania regiment, called the "Corn Exchange," had but recently 
entered the service, and in this their first fight were sadly 
defeated, and a large number killed, wounded and taken 
prisoners. Part of the cavalry had forded the river and 
were on the opposite shore, while a part were in the water, 
when they were ordered to countermarch. This command 
was given none too soon, for the enemy had reached the 
bluff and had commenced firing into our ranks. Surgeon 
Beck, of the Third Indiana Cavalry, was riding by my side 
when a bullet struck his horse just back of the saddle. Our 
artillery was brought into line, and when all was ready, 
opened with twenty guns, which not only silenced the rebel 
guns but drove them from the field. During the cannonad- 
ing we were greatly amused at the antics of one of the 
colored servants named Clay. lie was so frightened that 
he went around ducking his head and at times even lying 
down upon his horse's neck, with his white eyes rolling 
around in the most abject fear. 

Some of the members of the Eighth met with very interest- 
ino- adventures along the river. They fought on their own 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 189 

account, firing like sharpshooters whenever they had a chance 
to make it tell upon the enemy. 

Companies D and F were sent on a reconnoisance up the 
river to Falling Water, which they accomplished successfully. 

The 21st was Sunday, and we remained in camp at Sharps- 
burg. Many taking occasion to go over the battle-field of 
Antietam. Hundreds of horses lay there in the sun and the 
stench arising from their putrid bodies was very offensive. 
All the dead soldiers had not been buried, and their skins 
had become so blackened and their bodies so swollen they 
scarcely looked like human beings. Near the^lane where 
the "Irish Brigade" made their great and gallant charge, 
boards were placed at the mounds with inscriptions like the 
following: "Here lies seventy-four rebels," "Here lies 
General Anderson and eighty dead rebels." " In this hole 
are one hundred and forty-two dead rebels," and many 
others, all taken from the short lane we have before de- 
scribed. 

We now had a respite from hard service for a few days, 
enabling the ofiicers to make out their muster rolls and dis- 
charge papers, and the men and horses to recruit their ex- 
hausted energies. On the 23d, several of those left sick at 
x\lexandria returned ; among whom were Dr. Crawford, 
Captains Waite and Forsythe and Lieutenant Hotop ; and 
those discharged for disability were Sergeant Plummer, W, 
D. Stiles, Daniel McMillen and Uriah Hazelton. 

The night of the 23d, an order was received to be prepared 
with two days rations, to march to Harper's Ferry. At 
early dawn the camp exhibited a lively appearance, horses 
were saddled, rations cooked and all things made ready ; but 
no further orders were given until late in the afternoon when 
the command to "unsaddle" greeted our eai's and all was 
quiet again. 

On the 25th, a reconnoisance was made across the Poto" 
mac, Colonel Farnsworth commanding in person. The 
crossing was effected without opposition, at the ford below 



190 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Shepherdstown where the former attempt had been made. 
Ascending the hill through a deep ravine the body of a 
soldier was discovered, too much decomposed to be recog- 
nized. Near the village we encountered the rebel pickets 
who beat a hasty retreat, but our movements were ordered 
and executed so quickly and with such celerity, that the 
village was surrounded and occupied before many were aware 
of our presence. The place had the appearance of one im- 
mense hospital, nearly every house being filled with wounded 
which had been taken from the battle of Antietam. Among 
them were .some union prisoners which we provided for with 
great pleasure. ^ 

We drove the enemy some three miles beyond the town, 
and took about thirty prisoners, among them Lieutenant* 
Colonel Lee of the Thirty -third Virginia Infantry, He was 
finely mounted and equipped, and expressed himself greatly 
chagrined at being captured. Toward evening the regiment 
returned to camp with their prisoners, proud of their day's 
work. 

September 27th, S. S. Boone of Company B, received a 
severe flesh wound. 

On the 28th, our newly appointed Chaplain, Rev. Philo 
Judson, arrived and preached his first sermon. 

September 29th, a reconnoisance in force was made, General 
Pleasanton commanding. Colonel Farnsworth being unwell 
our brigade was under the command of Colonel Williams, of 
the First Massachusetts Cavalry. Halting for a short time 
at Shepherdstown, our wounded men, found there, were con- 
veyed across the river in small boats and sent to Sharpsburg. 

While engaged in the discharge of this duty we observed 
those in charge of a hospital near the river, took especial 
pains to prevent our going around a certain house. Our 
suspicions were aroused, and thinking there might be some 
soldiers secreted there, one of the officers of the regiment was 
made aware of the facts. He at once instituted a search, 
though strenuously opposed by the family. No soldier was 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 191 

found but a fine cavalry horse with full equipments was dis- 
covered in a cave in the hill, which made an excellent 
addition to our own animals. 

A few miles further on at a farm-house we found Colonel 
Magill and other rebel officers, sufi"ering from severe wounds. 
The Colonel had an arm amputated at the shoulder, which, 
for want of proper care, was alive with maggots. After 
dressing their wounds we learned that the Colonel had been 
educated at West Point, and was a classmate of General 
Pleasanton. 

The command, as in most cases, was divided into squads 
wh^htook different roads. The First Massachusetts Cavalry- 
woke up a rebel battery, and about one hundred of the regi- 
ment were hotly pursued by the enemy, who followed them 
on "double quick" until they came to our regiment when 
the pursuit suddenly ended. The result of this day's work 
was the capture of a few soldiers, the paroling of about five 
hundred sick and wounded, the transfering several of our 
men to our own hospitals and » safe return to camp without 
loss, after having discovered the enemy's position. That 
evening Rolla D. Pope accidentally discharged his pistol, 
wounding two of bis own fingers and three of J. J. Miners, 
the latter so severely as to require amputation^ 

September 30th one squadron, under Captain Waite, went 
to Shepherdstown to act as escort for the Provost Marshal, 
where they had a lively skirmish. A man belonging to 
Comyany B, made such a sudden dash on a rebel picket 
that he barely escaped by leaving his pistol and sabre. 

It became necessary that a reconnoisance should be made 
in the direction of Martinsburg, to see what liad become of 
the retreating army of Lee. Our army, or a large portion 
of it, was encamped in the vicinity of Sharpsburg. General 
Pleasanton, in command of the cavalry corps, was directed 
to execute this perilous duty, and if possible reach the tovrn. 
Selecting the Eighth Illinois, a portion of the Eighth Penn- 
sylvania, and one battery of Regular Artillery, he crossed 



li)2 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

the Potomac at Shepherdstown, at an early hour on the 
morning of the 1st of October, the Eighth Illinois being in 
the advance. "We had proceeded but two or three miles 
when the advance guard, under command of Captain For- 
sythe, came upon the enemy's cavalry. The Captain, -with 
a furious charge, such as he was in the habit of making, 
gallantly dispersed their advance, but finding them in too 
strong force to be easily driven, a section of the artillery 
■was brought forward and forced them to retire, which they 
did very reluctantly, stoutly contesting every part of the 
road to Martinsburg, a distance of seven or eight miles. 

On approaching the town our troops were ordered to make 
a dash into it, which they did, capturing a number of the 
enemy, releasing some of our men held as prisoners of war, 
securing a quantity of plunder and driving a large force of 
them out of the place. It was about one o'clock when w^e 
entered and took possession. During the forenoon the rebel 
cavalry manifested that stubbornness and confidence which is 
always inspired by the consciousness of superior numbers. 
Our forces sustained a loss of several wounded but none 
killed. We killed one or two of their number. Numerous 
bodies of the enemy had been seen at a distance during the 
day, and while we remained in possession of the town they 
still lingered, keeping up a constant on fire our pickets and 
advanced posts. Our prisoners showed by their conduct that 
they had very little idea of being obliged to re-cross the 
Potomac with us. From the inhabitants, some of whom were 
union at heart, we learned that a large force was encamped 
abour us ; and we afterwards ascertained that during all this 
time, up to four o'clock in the afternoon, the commander of 
the rebels was engaged concentrating his forces ready to 
" gobble up " our entire command whenever we attempted 
to return. However we had a word to say on that subject. 

At about four o'clock P. M., General Pleasanton having 
gained all the information possible of the situation of the 
rebel army, made preparations to return. This move called for 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 193 

more military skill, caution and courage than it had requiercd 
to advance. We were twelve miles from Shcpherdstown, the 
•nearest ford, with a force not to exceed eight hundred men, 
(our regiment being very much reduced at that time,) and 
■with an opposition of five or six times our number on all 
sides, well acquainted with the country, of which we were 
comparatively ignorant. 

On withdrawing, the Eighth Illinois was placed in the 
rear of the column, the rear guard being commanded by 
Major Medill. Scarcely had our pickets left their post before 
the rebel cavalry came pouring along in pursuit. The streets 
were filled and completely blockaded with them. A section 
of our artillery, placed on a slight eminence just outside of 
town, and trained to bear on a bridge, with a few well directed 
shots held the enemy in check for a short time, and created 
considerable confusion in their ranks. This enabled our 
advance to move some distance ahead, when the artillery 
was withdrawn, leaving Captain Clark, with his squadron, 
in the extreme rear. Ere long those in the front discovered 
that the enemy had taken advantage of Captain Clark's 
position and were sending terrific showers of shot into the 
midst of his gallant little band. The Captain sent word to 
Major Medill that it would be impossible for him to hold out 
much longer, when one squadron of the Eighth Pennsylvania 
was placed in a commanding position to assist in repulsing 
the enemy ; but their commander seeing the situation of 
affairs, and knowing that it would be a warmly contested 
point, abandoned his position without firing a shot. We then 
placed two pieces of artillery in position and opened fire 
upon the rebels to protect Captain Clark. It was, however, 
like firing against a tornado. The enemy by passing on 
either side of the road were enabled to rush madly on, seem- 
ingly determined to surround us at all hazards. Our artillery 
was obliged to fall back to prevent being captured. 

Major Medill ordered his squadi-on commanders to form 
their men on the side of the road facing the rear "as 
25 



194 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CA.VALRY. 

quick as ever God would let them." Captain Southworth's 
squadron was on the right facing towards the advancing 
rebels. lie scarcely had his men in line before they were 
upon him, but a couple of volleys from their carbines, at 
short range, checked the pursuit for a suflBcient length of 
time, to allow Captain Clark's squadron to pass and take a 
new position, when the two squadrons, together with that of 
Captain Farnsworth, discharged such effective volleys into 
their very faces that they were repulsed and held at bay 
until the artillery could be placed in proper position, which 
sent such volleys of cannister into their midst they were com- 
pelled to yield the field, leaving their dead and wounded 

behind them. 

It was now dark, and after holding our position a short 
time, until it was thought the enemy did not propose another 
attack, the General withdrew his forces, and we were not 
molested again on our return to the Potomac, which we 
safely crossed a little before midnight. 

General Pleasanton complimented the regiment very highly 
for the coolness and courage displayed, and also Major 
Medill for the manner in which he commanded his men. 
The discipline which our men had undergone, was here fully 
displayed by our squadrons baiting from a swift march and 
delivering their fire as regularly and coolly as on the parade 
cround, and by taking one position after another while re- 
treating before a superior force and under a severe fire, in a 
manner which would not have been excelled by any troops 

in the world. 

Official reports showed the enemy's loss to have been one 
hundred and fifty, of which number forty were killed and 
buried on the field. The Eighth Illinois lost but sixteen 
men, twelve wounded and four missing. The rebel com- 
mander was very much chagrined at not having captured the 
regiment, and is said to have remarked that " he could never 
give any satisfactory reason for not having done so." The 
reason was, we are happy to inform him, our men would not 
let. him accomplish his object. 



THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 195 

October 2d was spent by the men in resting and recount- 
ing the deeds of daring and the narrow escapes of the 
previous day ; and by way of variety an unpleasant mis- 
understanding occurred between Captains Hynes and Farns- 
worth, in regard to the distribution of the horses which had 
just arrived for the regiment. Such harmony had heretofore 
existed among the officers, that a little "family jar " was 
looked upon as a serious matter ; but mild counsels prevailed 
and all dissatisfaction was soon forgotten. Towards evening 
the four men who were missing arrived in camp, having 
been paroled. They reported that they were well treated 
by General Stuart, who led the rebel charge. The General 
said "he knew it was the Eighth Illinois Cavalry he was 
fighting, by the way they withstood his charges." General 
Fitz Hugh Lee told them that in our charge at Boonsboro, 
his horse was killed and he had to run into a cornfield and 
then walk ten miles to effect his escape. In the estimation 
of the Confederates, the Eighth Illinois was the best, and the 
Third Indiana Cavalry the next best regiment in the Fed- 
eral army. One of the rebel ofiicers sent his compliments 
to Captain Clark, saying "he liked his style — he was so 
cool — and that he would have been highly pleased if he 

could have made him a prisoner ; but that little d 1 

(Captain Waite,) that was along with Clark was a saucy 
little cuss." All this was no faint praise, coming as it did 
from the enemy. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Grand Review by President Lincoln— Bribing a sentinel— Stuart's second raid around 
the Potomac Army— Harper's Ferry— Advance into Virginia— Battle of Philamont— 
Battle of Barber's Crose-Roads— Capture of the hospital at Markham'g Station— An 
Irish woman's generosity— Battle of Little Washington— Battle of Amisville- Captur- 
ing General Wade Hampton's dinner— Farns worth promoted to a Brigadier-General- 
Battle of Fredericksburg. 

October 3d, all the troops were ordered out to be reviewed 
by President Lincoln and General McClellan. The ground 
chosen was that part of the battlefield where Generals 
Hooker and Sumner had fought. Our brigade was drawn 
up in line near the Hagerstown turnpike ; surrounded on all 
sides by numberless graves, filled with the dead of the recent 
battles. After standing two or three hours, the review com- 
menced. The President appeared dressed in citizens clothes, 
wearing a high crowned hat, his long, lean figure contrasting 
strangely with the compact form of General McClellan. As 
they approached, the battery belched forth its thunders in a 
grand salute ; where, but a few days before, it was dealing 
death to traitors. The review being ended all returned 
thankfully to camp. 

October 4th. Colonel Farnsworth's illness had increased 
to such an extent that it was thought best to have him leave 
the field for a short time. We accompained him as far as 
Harper's Ferry on his way to Washington. 

October 5th was the Sabbath, and Chaplain Judson 
preached in the morning and evening. Lieutenant and Com- 
missary, B. L. Chamberlain, returning to camp from his 
captivity in rebel prisons, where he had been since the 6th 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 197 

of May, entertained us with an account of his capture and 
experiences ; a Eistory of which will he found in another 
chapter. He met with a hearty welcome from his old com- 
rades in arms. 

October 6th the regiment removed to a new camp, about a 
mile nearer Harper's Ferry, situated in a field where there 
was no timber, and where all the fences were protected by 
the infantry guards. We were at a loss to know how to 
procure a few boards with which to make bunks, tables, &c. 
Some of "the boys" had attempted to obtain some boards 
from a fence near by, when they were promptly told by the 
guard that they had orders not to allow the fences to be 
disturbed. In this dilemma Dr. Crawford, ever ready to 
invent an expedient, said he could manage it. Taking with 
him a colored man, a hatchet and a bottle of whisky, he saun- 
tered around the field until he came to a sentinel guarding 
the fence near some wheat stacks. After a few moments 
conversation the bottle was dj-awn from the Doctor's pocket, 
and the sentinel was seen to imbibe a deep draught, and then 
walk leisurely round to the opposite side of the stack. The 
colored boy at once set to work tearing off boards, which 
were soon brought to our tent. This proceeding occurred 
in plaiii sight of the regiment ; thinking the guard had been 
removed, about a dozen men started on the same errand, but 
ere they reached the spot the Doctor had left, the sentinel 
was again at his post, and not another board could be taken. 

On the 7th, we visited a barn used for a hospital by the 
enemy and in charge of their own surgeons. One case in 
particular attracted our attention ; it was a soldier whose 
lower jaw, chin and tongue had been shot away, and who 
was still living. To our surprise the surgeon in attendance 
had made no eff'ort to cover the wound or protect it from the 
flies that were swarming around. What the final result of 
the case was we never learned. 

We remained in camp without much to excite us until the 
11th inst., when early in the morning the Orderly's call was 



198 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

sounded, and shortly after " boots and saddles." The orders 
were, to be prepared to march "light,'' with three days 
rations. It was found that a large number of the horses 
were without shoes, so that but about half the regiment were 
in a condition to go. It was rumored that General Stuart 
was making a raid into Pennsylvania, and we very correctly 
conjectured that he was circumscribing McClellan's grand 
army again as he did on the Peninsula. All being ready, 
the regiment, or that part which was able to march, started 
in command of Captain Clark, General Pleasanton in person 
leading the expedition. Our course was first up the Poto- 
mac to Ilagerstown. Halting there a few moments we 
started for Williamsport, and had gone but a few miles when 
we came to a halt, fed our horses a few cornstalks, and then 
counter-marched to Ilagerstown. Passing through the place 
our course was directed toward the mountains which were 
reached. We then marched along the base to the Blue 
Ridge a few miles, ascended, passed over it and down into 
the valley of the Monococy, at a place called Mechanicstown 
which we reached at half past ten at night. Some of our 
men were taken sick and had to be left. The regiment 
attempted to rest, but had barely unsaddled when orders 
were given to move forward again, as all were eager to over- 
take and capture Stuart. 

Our course now lay down the Monococy Valley. The 
road was good and the regiment went forward at a canter. 
By the time our sick were cared for, we found ourselves in 
the rear ; and although we put our horses upon the gallop 
for most of the time, we rode eighteen miles before overtak- 
ing the regiment. 

Passing through Frederick City, Maryland, we reached 
the mouth of the Monococy river about nine o'clock Sunday 
morning. Here we found the rear guard of the Confeder- 
ates ; a few shots were exchanged and one man captured ; 
but Stuart and his raiders had succeeded in re-crossing the 
Potomac at White's Ford, just in time to evade an engage- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 199 

merit; and thus ended "Stuart's second great raid around 
the Army of the Potomac." 

General Stoneman, who was in command of a division at 
Poolville, six miles distant, reached this point a short time 
after, and why he could not have intercepted the enemy was 
a mystery to us ; but it is probable he was not informed of 
their presence until it was too late. 

The enemy had succeeded in taking several hundred 
horses from Maryland, and getting them across the river in 
safety. At Chambersburg they captured a large quantity 
of Quartermaster's stores, consisting in part of army cloth- 
ing, which they immediately exchanged .for their ragged 
gray. This deceived our troops and came near being the 
means of our losing some soldiers. Captain Forsythe, with 
a squad of men, came upon a number thus dressed in United 
States uniform, and demanded who they were. lie was an- 
swered by a shower of bullets. A lively skirmish ensued 
without our side meeting with any loss or injury. 

We noAv encamped in a field, having marched eighty-six 
miles in twenty-six hours. Many of the men and horses had 
given out on the way and came straggling along all the 
afternoon. During the night, the more to add to our dis- 
comfort, we had a drenching rain. 

Monday, 13th, we returned to Sharpsburg, a distance of 
thirty-five miles, greatly fatigued ; the whole distance trav- 
eled being one hundred and twenty-one miles. It is doubt- 
ful if better time or more rapid marching was made by any 
command during the war. The mistake, if any existed, was 
in our being sent round after the enemy instead of antici- 
pating his course and intercepting him. All felt deeply the 
disgrace of allowing the rebel General to pass around our 
army and gather spoils, which he had now done the second 
time ; yet no blame attaches to our cavalry. One half the 
abor and marching, in the right direction, would have inter- 
cepted him and forced an engagement. 

October 14th, orders were issued early in the morning to 



200 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

move camp, and during the day the regiment marched to 
Knoxville, some five or six miles below Harper's Ferry ; 
■without even resting from the effects of their late unprece- 
dented march. But in time of war orders must be obeyed. 
Finding a poor place for the regiment to encamp, Major 
Medill ordered another move, and we went some two miles 
farther from the river, where we pitched our tents. 

The scenery upon our march that day was unsurpassed 
east of the Rocky Mountains. The Potomac and Shenan- 
^<r^ doah rivers unite and pass through the Blue Ridge mountains 
^ at jj^ft g adft S^ Ferry, m.aking one of the grandest gorges ever 
^^ beheld. AVirt's description is not in the least overdrawn. 
5 The place is also memorable for the exploits of John Brown 
vj^ and his companions, whose visionary and untimely attempt 
' at revolution cost them their lives. On the Virginia side of 
the river, Loudon Ilights were surmounted by cannon, and 
from Maryland Ilights great batteries looked down on the 
village and up the river, threatening all who approached 
from that direction. The wagon road, railroad and canal 
all pass between the river bank and the mountains ; being 
crowded so near together, that there is scarcely room for 
two teams to pass ; while above are over-hanging rocks, hun- 
dreds of feet high, threatening to fall and crush us to atoms. 
But there they have hung for ages, and may remain for cen- 
turies to come. 

October 16th the non-commissioned officers, mustered out 
under an order from the War Department, started for home. 

October 17th Major Beveridge, having recovered from his 
late illness, arrived and relieved Major Medill, who had been 
in command during the entire Maryland campaign. It was 
known that a large number of our men who had been sent 
to the General Hospital from time to time, were now detained 
in a convalescent camp, near Alexandria, and although 
repeated application bad been made to have them returned 
to the regiment, they did not reach us. Accordingly I ob- 
tained orders to go there and examine into the matter, and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. -01 

in compaDj with Major Medill, visited Washington and 
Alexandria, and found thirty-two of our men in convalescent 
camps, a large number of whom were able, and wished to be 
returned. We succeeded in obtaining the release of a part 
of them; and with a large amount of our baggage, which 
had been left at Alexandria, and an unusually large mail, wc 
returned to Knoxville, Maryland, on the 23d. 

Durincr our five day's absence nothing of importance trans- 
pired. Our Quartermaster received a lot of horses and 
clothing to be distributed through the regiment, and Lieuten- 
ant Beach, of Company A, returned from the city; upon 
whose arrival, for some reason, yet unexplained, a lew ot 
the officers had a lively time. There were various rumors as 
to the cause, but being absent, we are not prepared to vouch 
for the accuracy of any of the reports. Battalion-Adjutant 
Lumbard also visited the camp, after a protracted imprison- 

mcnt. , 

We found the citizens about Knoxville in a very unpleasant 
state Both armies had successively occupied the country, 
and to avoid molestation, the inhabitants had misrepresented 
each other, making accusations of being rebels or union- 
depending upon the army that was present. Families that 
had lived peaceable neighbors for fifty years, were thus em- 
bittered against each other ; producing a state of society but 
little less deplorable than that in Virginia, where the whole 
country had been devastated. 

Early on the morning of the 27th, Sergeant-Major Sam- 
uel Smith put his head into our tent and announced " orders 
to march at seven o'clock." As it had rained all night we 
predicted a movement. A large part of the army had en- 
camped in this neighborhood, and a pontoon bridge had been 
laid across the Potomac river at Berlin. More than a 
month had elapsed since the battle of Antietam and yet no 
advance had been made, though all had expected to make a 
move upon the "sacred soil of Yirginia," before this. 
While lying here we ascended the loftiest peaks of the Blue 
2(i 



202 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Ridge, and descended into the deepest valleys — in fact had 
"done up" the country pretty thoroughly; and now only 
waited the order which came upon this cold, rainy morning. 
Several of our officers were sick and had taken board with a 
family by the name of Crampton ; amcmg them Captain 
E. J. Farnsworth and Lieutenant Van Patten. On account 
of the illness of the former, our Colonel particularly re- 
quested me to remain with the Captain. Drs. Crawford 
and StuU accompanied the regiment. In due time the bri- 
gade started, leaving a detachment in charge of the regi- 
mental property, the sick, our Veterinary Surgeon, Corwin, 
(with his lame and disabled horses,) and a large number of 
new horses which needed shoeing. Having crossed the 
Potomac on the pontoons they passed through Lovetsville, 
and encamped on the premises of a secesh. They made 
free use of his corn-shocks for the horses, as well as a rea- 
sonable amount of the good things obtainable in the neigh- 
borhood for themselves. It was a rainy day and the follow- 
ing night was very unpleasant. 

About noon on the 28th the rain ceased and the Eighth 
Illinois dashed forward to Purcelville, where they drove in 
the rebel pickets, capturing three. Soon after the Eighth 
New York and Third Indiana came up and passed on. The 
Eighth New York overtook a rebel battery, and after having 
three men and several horses wounded, returned and en- 
camped near our regiment. 

An old secessionist by the name of Gregg, was owner of 
the premises and "the boys" made themselves free with the 
chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs, apples, milk, etc., found on 
his or adjoining plantations. One old lady implored pro- 
tection of one of our men which she mistook for an officer, 
to save her bees ; and while promising her to do all in his 
power to guard the property and control the men, all the 
available honey disappeared. These simple people seemed 
to think that they could send their sons into the rebel army 
to destroy our country and murder our soldiers, and that we 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 203 

WQuld not only protect them, but spend our time in guarding 
their chicken-roosts, pig pens and bee-hives. But they soon 
learned that western soldiers came for other purposes. That 
afternoon Drs. StuU and Crawford and Samuel Smith made 
a descent upon a porker weighing about one hundred and 
eighty pounds, and much to the amusement of the soldiers, 
who seldom missed their mark, especially when something to 
eat was the target, after shooting four or five times they con- 
quered, and brought him into camp. 

During the time they remained in this place, the country 
was thoroughly picketed and foraged ; the men lived on the 
enemy, and nothing found in the rich valley was too good 
for the soldiers. At this place our teams came up with pro- 
visions, and twenty-seven men from the old camp at Knox- 
ville, twenty horses and one of the ambulances obtained 
from the Medical Director. 

On the 30th of October two squadrons of the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry and one of the Third Indiana were scouting 
on diiferent roads, when Captain Ludlam's squadron discov- 
ered some cavalry in the distance. Lieutenant Russell sent 
Corporal White forward to ascertain who they were ; not 
being able to recognize them in time to escape, he was taken 
prisoner by the rebels, and Lieutenant Russell had a very 
narrow escape. The Third Indiana captured one prisoner, 
but we could ill aiford to give an Illinois boy for a rebel. 

November 1st, A great portion of the infantry had now 
arrived, and orders were given to advance. Our course 
was directed southerly, along the eastern base of the Blue 
llidge, and we formed the van-guard of this great army. At 
Philamont we encountered the enemy ; the Eighth Pennsyl- 
vania and Third Indiana being the first troops engaged. The 
above named regiments had several men wounded, and some 
killed ; and the surgeons found plenty to do in caring for 
the sufferers. The Eighth Illinois were on duty in another 
part of the field and suffered no loss. 

November 2d. An account of this day's doings I quote 
from Dr. Stull's diary : 



204 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRt, 

" We moved at eight o'clock, on the road toward Union- 
town. As we passed through Philamont the Brass Band 
struck up a tune which made the rebel pickets skedaddle, 
thinking the infantry had arrived. We had not moved far 
before the artillery opened, when the fight commenced, and 
continued all day ; we all the time driving the enemy by 
inches, and by dark had driven them about six miles. The 
Eiorhth New York had several men wounded, one from whom 
I extracted a ball. The infantry of General Doubleday's 
brigade came up in the afternoon and took part in the battle, 
losing several men. Our men were in very warm positions, 
as supports to batteries, but escaped injury until just at 
night, when Samuel McGonnel, of Company A., was in- 
stantly killed by a cannon shot. Though the shot and shell 
fell around them like hail, and their comrade had fallen from 
his saddle, yet, true soldiers as they were, they never moved 
from the ranks ; even the brave, fallen hero's horse stood 
still, although riderless. The nerve that holds men in place 
in such exigencies is of no common or base kind. A half 
dozen comrades quietly dismounted and performed the last 
sad rites of burial, while the artillery sounded the funeral 
salute ; and darkness closed the scene, but picket firing was 
kept up all night. 

What loss the enemy sustained in this conflict we do not 
know ; but our artillery exploded one of their caissons, dis- 
abling one gun, and there is no doubt they suffered more 
than we. General Burnside arrived near night and surveyed 
the scene." 

November 3d. Skirmishing began early and was con- 
tinued during the day. The enemy was driven back six 
miles, to Ashley's Gap, near Upperville. In this mountain 
pass they were nearly secure. No casualties occurred to our 
brigade. 

November 4th. The regiment was delayed a few hours, 
waitinor for the teams to arrive with rations, which came 
before noon. The hard tack marked " B. C," which the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 205 

boys interpreted " Before the Christian Era," was distributed 
and the command moved out in the direction of Manassas 
Gap, but had no fighting to do ; the enemj retreating as we 
approached. We encamped for the night at Peidmont. The 
Fifth Regular Cavalry had a skirmish at the Gap and lost 
two men killed and twelve wounded. One squadron of the 
Eighth Illinois went to the tovvn of Linden, near the summit 
of the mountains. 

November Sth. We moved early in the morning, and, 
passing General Averill's brigade, took the advance. Taking 
a southerly course along the mountains, we found the enemy 
strongly posted at Barber's cross-roads. They saluted us 
with a shot from their cannon, which fell short, and our 
artillery was brought forward and replied. The Eighth 
Illinois at first moved to the left to support the artillery, 
and the Eighth New York, Third Indiana and Sixth Regu- 
lars were farther to the right, engaged in skirmishing. The 
artillery practice of our adversaries was excellent. Captain 
Forsythe barely escaped one of their shots, which threw the 
dirt over and about him. The road Avas barricaded with 
rails to protect their cannon from a charge, but Companies 
B and E made an attempt, and would have captured their 
guns could they have been followed by a suflicient number 
of supports at the proper moment. The enemy were in 
superior force, and by the aid of the barricade and a deadly 
fire, finally succeeded in withdrawing their guns. " Charge " 
and " counter-charge," followed in quick succession, and 
for a short time the fighting was desperate ; but our men 
were invincible, although attacked by at least a full regiment 
of Stuart's best cavalry. Three of the enemy were killed 
and a large number wounded. One, who fell into our hands, 
was Lieutenant and Adjutant Talaiferro, of the Ninth Yir- 
ginia Cavalry. His thigh required amputation, which was 
skillfully performed by Surgeons Rogers and Stull. We 
also captured four prisoners, one of whom was a Captain. 
But for the victory we have to record the loss of two brave 



206 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

men killed : Corporal William Mace and John Brown ; while 
eight of our number were wounded, viz : Josiah Richardson, 
Company L ; Charles Plant, Company E ; George S. Sager, 
Company E ; B. F. Horner, Company E ; E, H. Burdick, 
Company B ; Martin Fancher, Company B ; James McConnel, 
Company E ; Harrison Hakes, Company B. 

During the engagement two hospitals were established — 
one for each cavalry brigade — and after the battle the in- 
mates of both were removed to Markham Station, on Manas- 
sas Gap Railroad, and there placed in a vacant building, 
which had been used some time before as a hotel. Beds 
were made on the floors with the blankets belonging to the 
wounded. 

Assistant-Surgeon S. K. Crawford was instructed by the 
Medical Director to take charge of the hospital, and with 
the limited means placed at his disposal, to do everything 
within his power to increase the comfort and guard the 
lives of the wounded. He assumed the charge, hoping that 
tw^o or three days would bring relief, and allow the removal 
of the sufferers to Alexandria, (the nearest point accessible 
by rail,) where there was an established hospital. 

However, on November 10th, hope gave way to disap- 
pointment, for instead of friends coming to his relief, the 
enemy sent two companies of the Second Virginia Cavalry, 
under command of Captain H. C. Dickerson, who paroleil 
the wounded and their attendants with the exception of the 
Doctor, who was protected by a recent cartel governing the 
exchange of prisoners, which declared medical officers and 
chaplains non-combatants. 

Upon entering the hospital they passed from bed to bed 
very rapidly, frequently stepping upon the wounded ; de- 
manding whatever they had of value, in money or watches: 
stealing the blankets from the beds ; pulling the overcoats 
with unnecessary force from under the heads of the men, 
who shrieked out piteously as their wounded limbs were 
thrown about by the violence used in removing their cover- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 207 

ing. These actions were not restrained till after all the 
desirable clothing had been appropriated by the chivalrous (?) 
captors. Once through the hospital these men proceeded 
to the kitchen and there helped themselves to the remaining 
provisions ; leaving less than five pounds of hard bread, the 
onlj rations with which to feed thirty Avounded men — and 
five attendants — for an indefinite period of time. In addi- 
tion to the above, they also took all the extra clothing of 
Dr. Crawford, one of his horses, and his colored boy, (who 
afterwards became the body-servant of General Stonewall 
Jackson). Through the interposition of one of the wounded 
rebels, of Avhom there were three in hospital, who wcrr 
taken away at the time, the Doctor's best horse was left, in 
consideration of the aid he had extended to the rebe^ 
wounded. 

Markham Station is located in a basin, having an inlet and 
an outlet through which commerce is carried on with the 
outer world. Rebel pickets were posted along the circular 
hills, who enforced the instruction of their commanding 
ofiicers, to the effect that we were not to take rails or fence 
material for fires ; thus leaving the wounded, already de- 
prived of their blankets, to endure the cold as best they 
could. The few houses about the station were kept closed, 
and their very appearance seemed unfriendly. The moaning 
within the hospital and the quiet without were strangely in 
contrast. Twenty- four hours passed without evidence of 
aid reaching the sufferers. Meanwhile the wounded enjoyed 
frequent drinks of cold water and expressed unbounded 
gratitude when its cooling effects were felt upon their system. 
If ever man's heart felt contrition and gratitude blended in 
thankfulness to God, for His goodness to His creatures, these 
poor men experienced the feeling. God's liberality, and 
man's proscription were strikingly illustrated. 

At this time they were illy prepared to receive, as visitors, 
a rebel Major and a squad of his command. They came, 
however, and the Major, representing the miniature confed- 



208 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

eracy present, assuved the union heroes that 'he United 
States had "gone up;" that Lineolu was a '• tyrant ha 
his cabinet olBcers were " thieves and robbers, and that 
they then represented the ultimate eondition of the army to 
whi'ch they belonged. To all of this the Doctor rep hed by 
asking whether the confederate forces would object to th ir 
leavin.- Markham Station, provided they could get away by 
their o°wn efforts. The privilege was refused, and the Major 
returned, leaving the men as melancholy as ,t was in h,s 

power to make thein. , i , 

l!y this time three of the wounded men had become so 
sick that their condition was really dangerous. One had h,s 
skull fractured by the blow of a sabre; another was shot 
through the left lung; and another had h,s leg .njured so 
as to require amputation above the knee; a U o^-^^^^Z 
unable to be moved without extreme danger to 1 fc. Hunger 
be^n to tell upon those less severely injured, and whe.e 
foo°d could be procured was the gravest of ciuest.ons. To 
whom could they appeal ? . 

The evening of November the 11th brought a v,s>tor-one 
least cxpected-au old black woman. Speak.ng m a 
low voice as she entered the hospital, she .n ormed one 
of the attendants that she had been sent w.th provs.ons 
collected by the black people, for the un.on sold.ers- 
Gd bless 'hem-and remarked, at the same t.me t at 
they must be very hungry. The viands were gratefuUy 
received, and the obligation is such that the noble sufferes 
fldas tLough it could never be fully repaid, and w.ll surely 

never be forgotten. material 

, With the black woman's v.sit came hope and materia 

sustenance and from her and others of her race the inmates 

ftrhos^ital received all they had to eat until November 

16th when the movement toward the union l.nes was pei- 

mi t d by the rebels. Stonewall Jackson's corps was in 

"amp twelve miles from the Station, and three apphcat.ons 

nwriinghad been made to his hoadci«arters, asking per- 



THE EIGmil ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 209 

mission to leave, before it was granted; it is probable two 
of the applications never reached their destination. Per- 
mission being given, the announcement was made to the 
patients that a movement would be commenced as soon as 
possible ; which gave great satisfaction and renewed their 
energies. 

An old dismantled hand-car was procured three miles 
down the road and pushed up to the Station, where the area 
of its platform was increased bj spiking on scantlings, and 
placing upon them boards taken from the passenger platform, 
thus making room for twenty-five of the wounded, four of 
whom were laid upon beds in the center, and the others 
allowed to sit in a double row around the beds, and thus the 
car was balanced. The journey was now commenced, and 
with light hearts they bade adieu to Markham Station and 
its inhabitants. Gainesville, about forty miles distant, the 
headquarters of Scigcl's corps, Avas the point toward which 
they directed their travels. It was now one o'clock, and 
before proceeding far they came to three heavy trucks on 
the road, which proved to be rather troublesome. Upon 
examination it was determined to push them along the track 
half a mile, and then tumble them over an embankment, 
which was successfully accomplished and the track effectu- 
ally cleaned. As night approached, however, they were 
obliged to proceed with great caution in order to ascertain 
whether the bridges along the line were in a safe condition 
to cross ; as the fear of precipitating their precious load into 
a chasm of unknown depth was too great to admit of any 
recklessness. Accordingly Dr. Crawford went ahead of the 
car, and with a rope assisted in dragging it along, at the 
same time looking well to the condition of the road. On 
approaching a bridge the car was stopped, and the Doctor, 
by passing over on his hands and knees, would see if the 
structure was secure. In this manner they reached a small 
station on the Manassas Gap Railroad, about twentyfive 
miles from the place of starting. Here was found a build- 
27 



210 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALIIY. 

ing close by, into which they removed the sufferers, some 
of whom were greatly exhausted. A fire was soon kindled 
"which gave heat and light sufficient to enable the attendants 
to bathe the wounds, and otherwise improve the condition of 
the patients. The nurses labored faithfully until morning^ 
•without sleep. 

Early the next morning the journey was resumed. Dr. 
Crawford and four hospital attendants composing the work- 
ing force of the party. On approaching Thoroughfare Gap, 
in the Bull Run Mountains, the grade was found to be steep 
and the labor correspondingly arduous. At the Gap they 
met a portion of Seigel's corps, from whom they obtained 
coffee and a little bread, the first food they had taken since 
leaving Markham Station. This, together with an hour's 
rest, was very refreshing. They arrived at Gainesville late 
in the evening of the second day, and reported their condition 
at General Seigel's headquarters. His staff officers made 
every effort in their power to procure food and transporta- 
tion. The same night a special train was sent to Alexandria, 
and the next morning the wounded were conveyed to the 
Mansion House Hospital. 

Besides the wounded mentioned as belonging to the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry, and who were included in the paroled list, 
were some of the members of the Eighth New York Cavalry, 
the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, the Fifth and Sixth 
United States Cavalry and Battery A of the Second United 
States Artillery. 

Notwithstanding the suffering they were compelled to 
undergo, there is one incident connected with their 
sojourn at Markham Station, which occasioned so much 
amusement in camp that I think it worth recording. After 
the rebels had taken Dr. Crawford's clothing, a poor Irish 
woman, living near by, took compassion on him and gave 
him a pair of drawers, which she evidently thought belonged 
to her husband ; but subsequent investigations proved that 
she made a mistake, and gave him a pair of her own instead. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALR1% Sll 

It was some time before the Doctor heard the last of the 
Irish woman's generosity. 

November 6th, our regiment advanced to Chester Gap, 
hoping to reach that place before the enemy and prevent 
their crossing the mountains, but before arriving encountered 
their infantry in strong force. After exchanging some shots 
and performing a feAV dextrous maneuvers, to obtain advan- 
tage of position, we returned to camp by way of Barbee's 
Cross-Roads, marching over a very rough country to Orleans, 
which place was reached after dark. Here we found the 
advance of General Burnside's command. 

jSTovember 7th we advanced across the Rappahannock, 
through and a few miles beyond Amisville. Major Bever- 
idge, with part of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, made a re- 
connoisance towards Sperryville where they had a fight, 
severely wounding one man and capturing two. Companies 
A and G, in a reconnoisance in another direction, captured 
a Lieutenant and ten men with their horses and equipments. 
There was a considerable snow-storm at the time, and with 
their clothes covered and the flakes falling thick and fast, the 
rebels did not recognize our men until it was too late to 
retreat. 

November 8th we again moved forward, and passing 
through Sperryville at Glen's Cross-Roads, met the Fifth 
Regulars who had encountered the enemy that morning. 
Several of the federal soldiers were found wounded and also 
some of the rebels, who received the attention of Dr. Stull 
and Hospital Steward Willing. 

A few miles farther on, at Little Washington, General 
Wade Hampton's command was overtaken. The General 
and his staff were just sitting down to a bountiful and lux- 
urious dinner, prepared for him by the citizens of the place, 
when the booming of the rebel artillery announced the fact 
that the yankees were upon him. Colonel Farnsworth had no 
artillery with him, but the disposition of his troops was so 
well planned, and the charge into the town executed with such 



212 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

skill, that General Hampton barely escaped ; and Colonel 
Farnsworth and his staff officers sat down to the table and 
enjoyed the viands intended for his adversary. 

Tnis is said to be one of the finest feats performed by the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry. After remaining in town three or 
four hours and doing some foraging, the brigade returned to 
near Amisville and bivouacked for the night, greatly fatigued : 
having marched over thirty miles, besides doing some pretty 
severe fifrhting. 

Xovember 1^'th we remained in camp, with orders to pro- 
cure forage for two days, Avhich command was fai];hfully exe- 
cuted, as pork, veal, chickens and turkeys, for the men, and 
corn, hay and oats for the horses, came in from all directions. 
While here the wagons, which had been separated from the 
regiment for a week, came up. We were also informed of the 
removal of General McClellan from command of the army 
of the Fotomac, and the appointment of General Burnside. 

Let us now take a look after those left in camp at Knoxville 
when this campaign commenced. The sick, that had not 
recovered so as to be able to march, were sent to the General 
Hospital at Frederick Cit}"-, Maryland. Captain Farns- 
worth, after a severe illness improved so as to admit of his 
going to Washington. The camp being broken up, on the 
Gth of November, the Commissary, Veterinary Surgeon and 
Surgeon, with horses, ambulances, convalescents and camp 
attendants started to join the regiment. Passing over the 
country which had been the scene of the recent battles we 
found the disloyal element prevailed in most parts ; but there was 
a Quaker settlement of true loyal souls who bade us welcome 
and God speed, and who deserve all praise for their steadfast 
and unwavering attachment to the Stars and Stripes, through 
all the gloomy days they had passed — having been pillaged by 
the rebels, and not altogether spared by the union soldiers. 

At Rectortown we came up to General McClellan's head- 
(juarters and inquired of General Buford, Chief of Cavalry, 
where we could find our regiment ; but the only information 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 213 

obtained wag that it was in the front. Passing on through 
Salem, Orleans and Glenville, we reached the wagons and 
Quartermaster's department at Jefferson on the 8th of 
November, and all joined the regiment at Amisville, on the 
9th instant. 

While here, we ascertained that the enemy had stored their 
tents in houses, (one of which contained probably one 
thousand,) and had posted a notice, "Small-Pox," on the 
buildings. Our men at once began to appropriate the tents 
to their own use. The citizens, thinking to intimidate them, 
invented and circulated a story to the effect, that some 
soldiers had died of small-pox in the building, after using 
the tents for beds. The story, however, was too weak to be 
believed, and after taking all they could carry away, they 
set fire to the building, entirely consuming its contents — 
small-pox and all. When the citizens protested they were 
met with the argument, that "for safety against the 
spread of the disease, it was necessary the tents should be 
destroyed. 

November 10th. General Averill being sick, Colonel 
Farnsworth was put in command of his (Averill's) brigade, 
while Major Eeveridge commanded the Eighth Illinois and 
Third Indiana. All was quiet until about ten o'clock, when 
it was reported that the enemy were approaching in large 
force ; and very soon the truth of the report was attested by 
the sound of their cannon — the shots fallino; among; us to 
our great annoyance. Camp was soon struck and the 
artillery brought out to meet theirs. The ground was level 
for some distance, and then rose a hill of such dimensions 
that it might almost claim the name of mountain. We 
could plainly perceive the enemy looking down upon us 
from this eminence. The artillery practice was lively and 
skirmishing on the flanks brisk, while the wounded men 
began to come to the rear. Few battles occurred during 
the late conflict, where the entire movements of the federal 
troops could be seen so clearly. The force on our side was 



214 THE EIQUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ncreasing each moment — regiment after regiment being 
brought in line or placed in support of batteries — and the 
roar of artillery was almost deafening, between the dis- 
charges of which the commands of our officers could be heard 
distinctly. 

It was soon evident that the enemy had been checked ; 
but they held their ground until about three o'clock P. M., 
when they fell back hotly pursued by our cavalry. In the 
evening we occupied the same field and pitched our tents on 
the same ground we occupied in the morning. The Third 
Indiana, Eighth New York and the Regulars, lost several 
iu killed and wounded, while the Eighth Illinois had but one 
who received a slight scratch. General Burnside took com- 
mand of the Potomac army that day. 

AYe remained at Amissville the next day, awaiting the 
arrival of teams which had been sent after rations. Sergeant 
Hall, of Company A, having been sent back to obtain some 
papers needed by his Captain, was surprised and taken pris- 
oner by a force of the enemy who were dressed in our 
uniform, thus deceiving him until he was in too close prox- 
imity to retreat. 

Dr. Stull and Adjutant Lumbard were mustered out of the 
service while here, under an act of Congress, reducing the 
number of cavalry officers ; which act allowed two assistant- 
surgeons to a regiment of infantry and but one to a cavalry 
regment, although the latter had two companies more than 
the former. However the act was amended by the next 
Congress, and the Doctor again appointed. 

November 12th we moved to Waterloo, on the left bank 
of the Rappahannock, where Ceylon Fassett, one of the 
paroled attendants from the hospital at Markham Station, 
joined us. He gave a thrilling account of their capture and 
sufferings, which was at once transmitted to the Medical 
Director. 

November 14th we went to Warrenton, where, on the 
16th, Charles Brvaer of Company C, who made the secesh 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 215 

ladies of Alexandria walk under the national flag, much 
against their will, accidentally shot himself while cleaning 
his pistol. The ball took cifect in the brain and he died in 
a few minutes. He was wrapped in his blanket and buried in 
a beautiful grove about a mile south of the village. 

Sunday, the IGth, our Chaplain preached upon the death of 
the men killed in recent battles and by accident. In the 
evening J. S. Van Patten was appointed Brigade Quarter- 
master, and twelve pack mules were distributed to the regi- 
ment to carry the necessary baggage, instead of wagons. 
One was given to the medical department and one to each 
squadron. The experiment proved to be a poor one as had 
many others introduced by the Avise and knowing ones. 
When they were packed and ready to move, some of the 
poor, overloaded creatures would lie down, refusing to carry 
such burdens ; while others would run frantically about, 
scattering the cooking utensils, with which they were loaded, 
in every direction. Experience however, which tests all 
experiments, taught the men what the poor animals could 
bear, and how to pack them. 

November 17th we marched a few miles from Warrcnton 
in the direction of Fayetteville. 

November 18th, we passed Fayetteville and Bealmont 
Station and camped in the woods. Early next morning, as 
camp was being struck, an ambulance from the Eighth New 
York Cavalry, (which regiment had taken a route nearer the 
Rappahannock,) came into camp bearing the body of one of 
their men who had died during the night, with a note from 
the surgeon to the effect that he did not know what to do 
with the body as they had no means of making a coffin. 
Vexed, as well as astonished, at such stupidity, we set to 
work digging a grave ; our Chaplain officiated at the burial, 
which took place in true soldier style — the blankets, being 
coffin, shroud and funeral pall. 

Forming the rear of the army, and marching through a 
rainstorm all day, we reached Morrisville, near Kelly's Ford, 



21G THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

where we remained all the next day, as the rain fell iu heavy 
showers. A party of Company I, out foraging, were attacked 
while at the house of Major xillen, and Solomon White was 
captured. Another member of the party barely escaped by 
going into the woods, and then was obliged to leave his 
horse in the hands of the rebelr-^. lie was compelled to re- 
main all night in the forest, and with a storm in progress, 
doubtless, had a severe time. A detachment, under Captain 
Waite, went in pursuit of the enemy and did them some 
damage; capturing horses and taking prisoners a feiv 
citizens, the latter being accused of giving information to the 
rebels. 

November 22d we again marched in a rain-storm, and at 
night stopped opposite Falmouth, just above Fredericksburg. 
It was intended by General Uurnsidc to reach this place, 
cross the river and occupy Fredericksburg before the enemy \ 
but the march was too protracted ; when we arrived we 
found the enemy in force there, and our army occupying 
Stafford Heights and the country between that point and 
Acquia Creek, preparing to rebuild the railroad, which 
had been destroyed. Remaining here but one night, we 
proceeded to a point on the Potomac called Jjclle Plain, 
where it was intended to establish a base of supplies for the 
army. We pitched our camp in a grove of dense under- 
brush; being almost worn out with our "muddy march," 
and about destitute of rations. 

On the 24th Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble, who had been 
absent some time, arrived, and with him our new Quarter- 
master, J. C. Smith. Rations not arriving, and the men 
being weary and hungry, they sat up such a call for " hard 
tack" that Colonel Gamble issued an order commanding 
silence. 

On the 25th Colonel Farnsworth went to Washington and 
returned December 9th, a Brigadier-General — which promo- 
tion gave opportunity for promotion to many other oflficers. 
We remained here for a while without much of interest 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 217 

transpiring — the regiment scouting and picketing the front, 
until the 9th of December, when Dr. Crawford returned. 

On the same day I was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief of the 
Cavalry Division Right Grand Division of the Army of the 
Potomac, and entered upon the duties of the position on the 
staff of General Pleasanton. 

On the morning of December llth our brigade was ordered 
to the heights opposite Fredericksburg, where the fighting 
men of the army had assembled. The enemy having refused 
to surrender, notice was given to remove all non-combatants, 
and after the expiration of the time given, the grand bom- 
bardment commenced. About two hundred cannon were 
placed on the bluifs overlooking the city, and the earth was 
made to tremble with their roar. Our positon was on the 
hill which overlooks the city, and, with a field-glass, the view 
was grand beyond description. Under cover of this fire and 
opposed by the sharp-shooters along the banks of the river, 
the pontoons were laid ; not, however, without severe loss. 
A lad named Edward Kelly, (with Lieutenant Taylor, chief 
ambulance oflScer of the Division,) was in the first boat that 
crossed the river. At night the brigade returned a few miles 
towards its old camp ; but early next morning was again 
marched to Staftord Heights, where we overlooked the firing 
another day. 

During the night our infantry crossed the bridge and oc- 
cupied the town, the rebel cannon on the hills in front 
frowning upon them within easy range. Artillery firing 
was kept up all day. Major Beveridge, with one Battalion 
of the Eighth Illinois, crossed on the pontoons under a well 
directed fire from the enemy's guns, which were trained to 
l)ear upon the bridge. This battalion remained in the city 
during the following night, and the remainder of the regiment 
in the quarters of the night previous. 

Saturday, December 13th, occurred the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, proper; though two days of cannonading and 
skirUiishing had already passed. We were early at head- 
28 



218 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

quarters, where "we had spent the two preceding days. Gen- 
eral Franklin's corps crossed about five miles below the city, 
and opened the fight — General Hooker being on the right, 
and Sumner in the center. The fighting on our left began at 
nine o'clock. At half-past ten General Sumner became en- 
gaged, and a little later General Hooker's troops commenced 
the work of death and carnage. 

I had tried to induce General Farnsworth, who was suffer- 
ing severely from a swollen limb, to remain in camp, but he 
would not consent. He was taken to the headquarters in an 
ambulance, and in that condition commanded during the 
entire day. During the afternoon it became evident that 
our forces were suffering terribly, in the center, from the 
enemy's cannon, which were trained to bear directly upon 
them from the hills above. On the left, the smoke of Gen- 
eral Franklin's artillery did not seem to advance ; and our 
hearts grew sick as the wounded came across the river by 
hundreds. As the day wore away the fighting increased in 
fury, and with what inensity we watched the progress of the 
battle, none but those present can ever conjecture. 

Even after dark a desperate charge was made on the rebel 
works in the center, and repulsed with terrible loss. Late at 
night the battle ended, and all rested on their guns, save the 
wounded and those who were engaged in bringing them off 
the field. Firing was continued at intervals, all night. One 
battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry having been relieved 
by another, they remained on the right of the army, and 
on Sunday morning, learning that there was work for more 
Surgeons in the city than they already had, we volunteered 
our services. With Hospital-Steward Willing and George 
Heintzelman the cook, we visited the city and took charge 
of what was called Broad House Hospital, where during, 
the previous night, the wounded to the number of about 
one hundred, had been brought ; but none had, as yet re- 
ceived nourishment or medical attention. A detail of a 
Sergeant and six men, from the Sixteenth Michigan, assisted 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 219 

US. Beef tea and crackers were soon prepared, and dis- 
tributed to the famishing men. 

While thus engaged we observed one quiet lad, who sat 
leaning against the wall, making no complaint. His pale 
and anxious countenance attracted mj attention and I told 
an attendant to give him some soup. The attendant went, 
but soon returned, saying he was asleop or dead. I directed 
that he be awakened as I knew he must need nourishment. 
Again he returned, saying he was dead. I then went myself, 
and found that the report of the attendant was too true, and 
that the spirit had taken its flight. 

Soon after two lads entered, inquiring for a brother who 
had been wounded, and whom they had brought off the field the 
previous night. I directed them to look through the dead- 
room, and there they recognized this boy, their brother. lie 
had refused to allow them to remain with him ; telling them 
to go and assist others, who needed help more than he did. 
Six died during the day and seven capital operations were 
performed at night. 

Monday morning, the 15th, the last wounded were re- 
moved across the river ; not, however, until the rebels had 
opened upon us with artillery, one shot passing through the 
building, scattering the brick and mortar over and among 
us. Monday night the last of our troops were withdrawn 
and the pontoons taken up. Our army had been beaten in 
this battle, and we occupied our former ground ; having 
thousands of our wounded on hand, who were conveyed to 
Windmill Point, where immense field hospitals were prepared. 

Our regiment had taken no important part in the battle, 
although one-third of them had been under fire during the 
progress of the fight. 



CHAPTER IX. 

GolBg into winter quarters— On picket duty — "Capturing" a mule— Army "stuck in 
the mud " — A snow storm — Grand review of the Cavalry — Hope Landing — General* 
Stoueman and Pleaeanton— Stoneman'e raid— General IIooker'8 advance— Battle of 
Chancellorsville- General Pleaeanton saves the army— Shelling our camp— The Army 
of the Potomac re-cross the Rappahannock— The phrophetic frogs— Digging rifle pits 
—Great raid on the "Northern Neck"— Battle of Beverly Ford. 

The army now began preparations for winter quarters as 
the cold weather was upon us in earnest ; and, after a few 
days, our regiment went into camp near Belle Plain, On 
Christmas day Hospital Steward, Robert Sill's, discharge 
was reeeived and sent to him. He had been at home sick 
for a long time. The regiment was sent to do picket duty 
in King George County, relieving the Eighth Pennsylvania. 

On reaching the place, the officers of the latter regiment 
were found keeping a Christmas holiday, and were intoxi- 
cated. Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin, in command, re- 
ported them to headquarters, which created quite a sensa- 
tion among those interested. If more such reports had been 
made it would have been better for the army. 

The remainder of the year 18G2 was passed on picket duty 
and scouting. No winter quarters were built, worthy of 
the name. A few tents were erected and huts built, but the 
men were on duty most of the time — in fact they preferred 
to stand picket in Iving George County, where they could 
forao-e freely, to remaining in camp and living on hard-tack 
and pork. The Eighth New Jersey, Third Indiana and 
Eit^hth Pennsylvania were in our brigade, and fared as we 
did. Little could be done in the way of fighting, as the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. -221 

roads were now very muddy, and the weather cold, wet and 
unpleasant. 

The line guarded was along the Rappahannock, in the 
vicinity of Port Conway, a distance of ten or fifteen miles 
and across the neck of the Potomac. With the exception of 
sugar and coffee, most of the rations for the men, and a large 
part of the forage for the horses, were obtained by appro- 
priating such provisions as could be found upon the planta- 
tions. Being intensely disloyal in sentiment, the citizens 
complained of such conduct. 

As an illustration of the shrewdness of our men we will 
relate an incident which occurred at headquarters : 

A citizen came to Colonel Gamble, riding a mule, and 
dismounting in front of the Colonel's tent, held his animal 
by the halter while he made his complaint. He said one of 
his best horses had been taken by our men and brought into 
camp. Colonel Gamble inquired particularly about it, 
making him describe the horse and the circumstances of its 
capture. 

While this conversation was taking place, the soldiers 
crowded around him, and between him and his mule. He 
still held the halter firmly in his hand, and when the animal 
would pull or jerk the halter, he would sing out "Whoa ;" 
but so earnest was he in presenting his claim, that he paid 
little attention to anything around him ; only keeping a 
firm hold of his halter. One soldier loosened the girth and 
slipped off the saddle, another took it back into the pine brush. 
Not being satisfied with this, they next removed the halter, 
occasionly giving it a jerk to imitate the action of the mule, 
and quietly led the animal away. When the man had 
finished his talk and obtained permission to search the camp 
and take his horse wherever he could find him, he found he 
had lost his mule. After a fruitless search for both horse 
and mule, he returned home on foot, " a wiser if not richer 
man ;" no doubt cursing the yankees, whereas his curses 



222 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

should have fallen upon those who instigated the unholy 
rebellion. 

During the month of January, 1863, General Burnside 
made another attempt to dislodge the enemy at Fredericks 
burg. Camp was struck and the grand army marched up 
the river, intending to cross at the upper fords ; but no 
sooner were they fairly under way, than a terrible storm 
arose, rendering the roads impassable for artillery and wagon 
trains ; in fact the army was "stuck in the mud," and could 
proceed no further. It soon retreated to its old quarters, 
now rendered doubly uncomfortable by the destruction of 
the few huts that had been erected. Soon after this General 
Burnside was relieved and General Hooker appointed to the 
command of the army. 

Sometime in January, while out on a foraging or scouting 
expedition, a party of our men were fired upon by a number 
of rebels who were concealed in the brush by the roadside. 
Elijah Hall was shot in the shoulder, the wound proving 
very severe, and Samuel Peterson was peirced by eight buck- 
shot, one of which broke his arm near the shoulder. But 
after a tedious convalescence both recovered. Upon learn- 
ing the sad news of their being wounded, a party was dis- 
patched in pursuit of the enemy. A number or citizens, 
suspected of being concerned in this murderous assault, 
were taken prisoners, as it was well-known that on the 
appearance of. our men in force, they would assume to be 
quiet citizens ; but no sooner did they think they could 
escape detection than they would prove themselves to be the 
most lawless guerrillas. 

General Pleasanton bavins; been assigned to the command 
of the newly formed cavalry division of the army of the 
Potomac, he retained the staff officers of his late brigade, and 
I found that my duties were becoming very laborious. Dr. 
Crawford was with the regiment in King George County 
and we had no medical officers for the camp at Belle Plain, 
except Hospital Steward Willing. General Pleasanton's 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 223 

headquarters being six miles from this camp, I found that 
it required considerable labor to go there, through the mud, 
several times a week as I did, beside attending to the duties 
at headquarters. Under these circumstances we urged the 
appointment of Dr. Stull, as Second Assistant-Surgeon ; 
Congress having amended the law so as to allow each 
cavalry regiment to have two Assistant-Surgeons. He was 
accordingly appointed, and reached camp on the ;^th of 
February, 1863. 

All this time the weather was very unpleasant. Snow, 
six or eight inches deep, was followed by rain and mud — 
a few cold days, then rain again. The roads were indescrib- 
able. All day and night would the long wagon trains move 
slowly along through the mud and over the corduroy roads 
constructed by the army. Thousands of horses and mules 
died in transporting the immense army stores along these 
roads. 

Thus the winter passed, until the 16th of February, when 
a change of base was ordered for the cavalry. Our destina- 
tion was Hope Landing, on Acquia Creek. Preparations 
being completed, the Eighth Illinois, and, in fact, the entire 
division, broke camp on the 17th and began to march in a 
snow-storm. As the day wore on the storm increased, but 
by dint of swearing and whipping, most of the wagons were 
brought through, and at dark we found ourselves in a pine 
forest on Acquia Creek, with six inches of snow for a bed. 
Pine boughs thrown on the snow raised us a little above it, 
and rolled up in blankets Ave slept, or tried to sleep ; and 
arose in the morning from under a covering of three or four 
inches of snow which had fallen during the night. Such 
suffering and hardship as this the soldiers were becoming 
used to, and those who did not sink under them were surely 
hardy men. 

The new camps arranged, supplies were obtained via 
Acquia Creek, and a new method of transportation was 
adopted. Wagons were again abandoned and supplies trans- 



224 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ported on the backs of mules. The country was hillj, and 
up the hills and down the ravines these animals waded 
through the mud, loaded to their utmost capacity. In sev- 
eral instances the poor creatures sank in the mud and died, 
leaving nothing visible except a very small portion of their 
tails and long ears. Jlain and snow alternating almost daily, 
on the Virginia side, put the roads in a condition it is impos- 
sible to describe, and yet all the rations both for men and 
horses must be carried some three miles from the landing, 
on the backs of mules and horses. 

The sufferings of the men were great and sickness on the 
increase. A Division Hospital had been established at Hope 
Landing, where most of the sick were brought and treated. 
The cavalry lay in this condition until February 25lh. 
That night, in the midst of a heavy rain storm " boots and 
saddles " were sounded, and the orders were to march. It 
was rumored that the rebel, General Stuart, was at his old 
tricks again. The men crawled from under their blankets, 
mounted their horses and started. They traveled some forty 
miles, to near Warrenton, without overtaking the enemy, 
who had twenty-four hours the start of them. Stuart had 
made an attack on the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, captured a number of men and horses and 
made good his escape. It is said that he paroled some of 
the prisoners, by whom he sent his compliments to General 
Hooker, with the request that he keep his horses in better 
order ; as he depended on the Pennsylvania cavalry to supply 
his demand. 

A man belonging to Company 13, of our regiment, lost 
his horse, and attempted to return on foot. Coming to the 
picket line, where some of the I'ennsylvania Cavalry were 
on duty, he Avas captured by them, put on a horse and brought 
by an escort to headquarters, near Stafford Court House, 
where, before being given up, he made his escape, and came 
to the regiment ; thankful for the privilege of such a long 
ride, as he would otherwise have been obliged to travel all 



N 




.Sfe^ 



BREVET BRIG CEN!: D. R, CLENDENN I N 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 225 

the way to camp on foot. His escort was very much cha- 
grined, for he supposed his prisoner to be a rebel. 

The division returned on the 28th, and resumed its foroier 
position. The principle duties performed by the cavalry, 
besides building roads and providing forage, consisted in 
picketing the country between the liappahannock and Poto- 
mac rivers, above Falmouth, a distance of twenty miles, and 
patrolling from thence to the Ocoquan, where they connected 
with cavalry from Alexandria. By this it will be seen that 
there were no idle hands ; work day and night — constant 
work all winter. I wish those patriots who think they did 
their share by staying at home and spending their money, 
however freely in the good cause, to make 'a note of this. 
No money will offset the labor and suffering of one such 
winter. 

The regiment was on picket in the vicinity of Dumfrees. 
The guerillas would occasionally fire upon our pickets J 
especially at night, and some were killed and wounded by 
this inhuman means. On the night of March 15th, Whit- 
worth, of Company C, had his horse shot. Captain South- 
worth, with a squad of men, went in pursuit of the cowardly 
guerillas, but owing to the darkness could find nothing of 
them. 

We frequently made sallies into the country, and at differ- 
ent times captured prisoners to the number of twenty. 
Numerous casualties occurred which are unavoidable, 
especially in a cavalry regiment. On March 1st, George 
Sullivan was thrown from his horse and had his collar bone 
fractured. Thus the time passed between weary days and 
sleepless nights ; for not unfrequently were the calls to saddle 
up, at all hours of night. On the 5th of March, a portion 
of the Eighth New York and the Third Indiana, being on 
picket, were attacked, and the whole command were aroused 
and ordered in pursuit. 

On March 16th, while patrolling from Dumfrees up the 
Ocoquan, a party of seven men, belonging to our regiment, 
29 



226 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

was overpowered and captured. Captain Farnsworth headed 
a party and went in pursuit. They captured three rebel 
prisoners, an officer, two men and four horses. One of the 
horses had belonged to our regiment. A few days later four 
more of the enemy were captured. 

March 31st, Captain Farnsworth, with half the regiment, 
went on another scout after the enemy avIio had captured 
some of the Eighth New York Cavalry. Starting at mid- 
night, after a march of two days and nights they returned 
with twelve prisoners, and reported two killed and several 
wounded. One of their brave and noble comrades, Fred 
Frank, fell in a desperate engagement. 

During the winter, furloughs for fifteen days were readily 
granted, and many were thus enabled to vigit their 
homes. Colonel Gamble, Major Beveridge and other officers, 
took their turns in procuring leave of absence ; but as spring 
approached, fewer were given, and those who were waiting the 
return of their comrades to be permitted to receive like 
favors, were sorely disappointed on being refused. Several 
of the officers, while lying in winter quarters, received visits 
from their wives or other members of their families, which 
somewhat, relieved the dull and tedious duties of camp life. 
Mrs. Davis, living at Hope Landing, did the agreeable by as 
many as possible of our visitors. 

March 25th Major Beveridge, Dr. Crawford and Sam 
Smith, returned to the regiment, and others continued to 
arrive, filling up the ranks, preparatory to the coming 
campaign*. 

On the 6th of April, a grand review of the cavalry was 
had near Falmouth, at which President Lincoln and lady, 
Generals Stoneman, Hooker and Bleasanton were present. 
It would seem that such an army of horsemen, if rightly 
handled, would carry dismay and discomfiture into the camps 
of the enemy ; this being, in all probability, the largest body 
of cavalry ever reviewed or assembled on this continent. 
These grand reviews were always hard upon both men and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 227 

horses, and this proved to be particularly so, as the roads 
were exceedingly muddy. The appearance of the troopers 
and their animals were all that could have been expected, 
after a winter in tlie woods, doing hard service, and being 
frequently short of rations. Wearily the difi'erent regiments 
returned to camp. 

On the 9th of April the Eighth Illinois was again sent 
out on picket, to relieve the Third Indiana ; and in order to 
give some idea of what transpired from day to day on that 
kind of duty, I quote again from the diary of Dr. Stull, who 
accompanied the regiment : 

" At noon we were there, and have been as busy as possi- 
ble preparing for the night. We relieved the Third Indiana, 
and they have gone in. 

" April 10th. No alarm along the pickets last night, but 
we had a little alarm in camp, from a dispatch from General 
Stoneman, through Colonel Davis, to the effect that General 
Stuart Avas at Cedar Run with five thousand cavalry! 
Captain Southworth took forty men and went all through 
that country this afternoon, but could find nothing of them, 

" April 11th. Nothing new along the line. Little squads 
have been scouting the country. Corporals Young and Carter 
had three shots at bushwhackers last night. This evening 
the report is that Stuart is at Ilartwood Church, about ten 
miles from here. 

" April 12th. This morning Captain Southworth was sent 
out with fifteen men to arrest a man, who is accused of con- 
veying information to General Stuart. The description sent 
to Major Beveridge to aid in his apprehension was as follows ; 
" He is described as an old man, grey-headed, grey beard, 
full red face, short and thick, with bandy legs, and usually 
rides a white mule with the top of one ear cut off. Lives in 
the pine woods, about seven miles from Dumfrees, on the 
Warrenton road." Ceylon Fassett accompanied the expe- 
dition. The boys had quite a lively time and long race, but 
could only take one prisoner and two horses. Ceylon made 



228 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

a shot at a rebel, killing his horse, just as he was in the act 
of firing at one of our men. This evening received an order 
to return to camp and prepare for a forward movement. 
Started, but in the darkness lost the way, and had to counter- 
march some distance. Finally reached the old camp at two 
o'clock A. M., April 13th, and had a short nap before day- 
light." 

The movement about to be made is known as " General 
Stoneman's great raid." Generals Stoneman and Pleasan- 
ton being in command of the cavalry, it was arranged to 
have Stoneman make a raid around the enemy's rear, cut the 
railroads between them and Richmond so as to prevent rein- 
forcements from the south, and engage their cavalry ; while 
General Hooker attacked them in front with the main army. 
General Pleasanton was ordered to take charge of the camps, 
and remain behind with only the Sixth New York, Eighth 
and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and such detach- 
ments of other regiments as were necessary to care for the 
camp property and the sick; and as his Surgeon in Chief, I 
had charge of the corps hospital, which we located at iVcquia 
Creek. This arrangement was very displeasing to General 
Pleasanton ; as an opportunity to gain military renown 
would thus be afforded to those who accompanied the great 
raid, whereas none was in prospect for those left behind. 
But we shall shortly see that such an idea was erroneous. 

We will first follow the regiment, and then return and see 
what General Pleasanton did in their absence. The follow- 
ing facts have been furnished us by Dr. Stull : 

"April 13th. As we had considerable to attend to in the 
medical department, we were not ready to move until long 
after the regiment had gone. Followed after them, got lost, 
and finally came upon General Averill's Second Division, and 
followed them during the day. "We made diligent inquiries, 
but could find nothing of our brigade until night, when we 
learned of Colonel Jones, Third Pennsylvania, that his 
pickets expected to connect with ours that night. 



THE EI&HTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 229 

April 14th. We were up and moving early, following 
General Averill's picket line, soon came upon our own men. 
To our surprise, Colonel Davis was very pleasant and did 
not arrest us as he should have done to be in keeping with 
his usual course. Willing and I accompanied Captain 
Farnsworth on a scout, with his own squadron and 
one of the Ninth New York Cavalry. We took the 
road to Warrenton, and there had a nice little skirmish 
with the enemy ; but the Ninth New York Captain 
pitched in without orders and so spoiled the beauty of the 
fight. If he had followed Captain Farnsworth's orders, we 
might have taken thirty or forty of the Black Horse Cavalry ; 
whereas we took but half a dozen. Captain Farnsworth 
wounded one man mortally, and the Ninth New York 
killed two. In shooting back at our men, the rebels wounded 
a lady living in the village. James Reed's horse ran away 
with him and carried him into the enemy's ranks, where he 
fought hand to hand for a while but came out unscarred. 

After the chase Avas over we went to White Sulpher 
Springs, where we were to await orders from Colonel Davis. 
We remained till dark, when, Captain Farnsworth thinking 
it dangerous to prolong our stay, we went down and crossed 
the Rappahannock at a mill, obtained a lot of wheat for the 
horses, and going back a short distance encamped for the 
night at about half past ten o'clock, so tired that we did not 
cook any supper. Oar rear guard and prisoners not having 
come up gave us great uneasiness. 

April 15th. One of the most rainy days of the season. ( 
The rain falling in torrents all day. Captain Farnsworth 
sent to Liberty for orders and found Captain Smith's squad- 
ron, (which had been hunting for us all night,) with orders to 
cross the river where we had crossed, move down and join 
Colonel Davis. We pressed an old man, once a militia colonel, 
as guide. lie was a plucky old fellow, and offered " to 
whip Captains Hynes and Farnsworth both," at a fist fight- 
Crossing at Freeman's Ford we found Colonel Davis, and 



1^30 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

halting at a plantation, Willing and I obtained dinner, and 
while there heard firing and cheering. Colonel Davi3 was 
ordered to recross the river, and just as the rear guard was 
crossing, at Kelly's Ford, the rebels charged down upon 
them, at the same time firing upon us. Captain Farnsworth 
ran the line of rebel skirmishers and told Colonel Davis 
where we were. The Colonel said we would all be " gobbled 
up," unless we could cross the river immediately. Tiie Cap- 
tain made his mustang do some tall running up the river six 
miles and down the opposite side ; and taking us by a cir- 
cuitous route, we were enabled to join the brigade without 
loss. The Captain's foresight and gallant conduct that day 
saved his squadron from capture. We found that the 
brigade had spent even a rougher time than ourselves. The 
Third Indiana had lost one Lieutenant and twenty men. 
Two wounded soldiers had been seen to sink in the river, 
and the Eighth New York had one Lieutenant shot while 
fordingf. 

April 16th. Found the regiment in camp at Kelly's Ford, 
having marched, fought and countermarched, and having 
made an almost miraculous escape. Rested two days, and 
then Major Beveridge, with a hundred men each from the 
Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana, started on a three days 
scout. Went to White Sulpher Springs and thence to 
Waterloo, where they captured four soldiers and a Lieu- 
tenant of the Black Horse Cavalry. The Lieutenant fought 
desperately and came near killing Captain Southworth. He 
broke one of the Captain's horse's legs, but was finally 
obliged to yield. Camped near Waterloo. 

April 19th. Marched in the direction of Orleans, where 
they charged upon the rebels who beat a hasty retreat. 
Thence toward Salem, chasing the rebels most of the way. 
When within six miles of Salem, they took a new route over 
the mountains toward Warrenton, and stopped for the 
night at Morgan's plantation, where poultry, flour and cider 
were found in abundance. The woman of the house was a 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 231 

perfect Amazon, and used every argument to save her 
chickens and other valuables. But Major Beveridge was 
immovable and the men fared well. The Indiana boys 
brought in two prisoners. While here information was re- 
ceived that a large force, under Mosby and White, were 
above them in the valley, and at ten o'clock at night they 
again marched, taking a negro for a guide, and passing over 
atiother mountain, stopped at two o'clock A. M., within two 
miles of Warrenton. 

April 20th. Notwithstanding the rain, the expedition 
marched thirteen miles to Bealton to join the brigade. 
Found them out in line with six days rations, ready, it was 
supposed, to make another attempt to cross the Rappahan- 
nock. This is but a specimen of what a scouting party has 
to endure. Is it any wonder that men and horses fail under 
such trials ? 

April 21st. The brigade moved up the river in the direc- 
tion of Warrenton, where forage and rations were brought 
them by the railroad. One squadron was sent across the 
river, and while on picket a squadron of the Third Vir- 
ginia Union Cavalry came up, were challenged and then 
allowed to pass. Coming to the Captain's quarters they 
were mistaken for the enemy. The Captain fired a few shots 
and they hastily re-crossed. 

April 25th. Captain Farnsworth went scouting and for- 
aging. Passing through Salem into Carter Run Valley 
they again called on Morgan, where our Amazon woman 
resides. This time they only took a liberal supply of hams. 
They then proceeded to the late residence of John A. Wash- 
ington, who was once owner of the Mount Vernon estate 
and late a soldier in the rebel army. On their return they 
fell in with five members of the rebel cavalry, splendidly 
mounted, killed one and captured two men and one horse. ' 

April 26th. S. Coppersmith accidentally shot himself in 
the leg, producing a serious wound. 



232 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

April 27th. Major Medill, Captain Ludlam and Lieuten- 
ant Wing, 'who had been absent on leave, returned. 

April 28th. Captain Clark went on a scout to New 
Baltimore, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, and then 
to Salem, where he captured two rebels. That night we 
marched beyond Bealton. 

April 29th. Moved early, and near night reached and 
crossed the river at Kelly's Ford. Were soon attacked and 
quite a lively skirmish ensued, in which several horses were 
killed ; but the enemy was forced to retire, and a sleepless 
and rainy night followed. 

April 30th. Rainy, but once more on the march. Noth- 
ing of note took place until after passing through Culpepper 
to Cedar Mountain. Captain Forsythe's squadron captnred 
a Quartermaster's stock of bacon and other valuables, and a 
few prisoners. Upon coming near the Hapidan river the 
rebel artillery was awakened. Here we rested for the 
night. 

May 1st. Men from each regiment were dismounted and 
placed along the river at Kapidan railroad bridge, to act as 
sharpshooters. They now came temporarily under command 
of General Averill, and it was expected they would 
cross the river, drive the handful of rebels before them and 
join the great raid, but a desultory fight, only, was kept up. 
Near night our men made an attempt to burn the bridge, 
but found that the enemy had already set it on fire. A 
rebel Colonel, with a squad of thirty men, made a dash on 
Captain Waite who was at our advanced picket post, killing 
his horse and making him a prisoner ; but the picket reserves 
made a gallant charge and recovered their Captain, beside 
taking two prisoners. Firing was distinctly heard all day 
in the direction of Fredericksburg, where it was supposed 
Hooker's army was fighting that of Lee. 

May 2d. Orders were given to follow down the river, and 
after a weary march of about thirty miles, the camp was 
pitched near Ely's Ford, and, supper being discussed, the 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 233 

rebels opened a fire upon the camp, which was in easy range. 
After a short resistance, all was quiet again, not, however, 
without causing some loss to our party, for Dr. Crawford's 
favorite horse was shot. 

May 3d. Crossed at Ely's Ford and went down the Rap-~^ 
pahannock to U. S. Ford, and again came under command 
of General Pleasanton. 

The Eighth were greatly disappointed at not being sent 
forward with General Stoneman, and being permitted to dis- 
play their ability in that particular calling — "raiding." 
They had marched, scouted, foraged, fought and endured 
much since the raid begun, and were dissatisfied because 
they were uot allowed to go to Richmond. 

We will now leave them at U. S. Ford, while we follow the 
fortunes of General Pleasanton. Having been left in charge 
of all the camps, of the cavalry corps, he at once set about 
consolidating the remnants of the diflferent divisions. The 
corps hospital was removed to the bluff's south of Acquia 
Creek depot ; and the camps being satisfactorily arranged, 
the General's headquarters were located at Potomac Creek, iv 

April 28th, the Arm}"- of the Potomac, commanded by 
General Hooker, broke camp, and General Pleasanton was 
ordered to accompany him, with what cavalry he had at his 
command. Leaving Colonel Gamble, of the Eighth Illinois, 
in command of the camp, we marched up the Potomac to 
Grove Church, and encamped for the night. At half-past 
two o'clock next morning, we again advanced and crossed 
the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford on pontoons. Three 
corps of infantry, the Fifth, Eleventh and Twelfth, com- 
manded by Generals Meade, Howard and Slocum, accom- 
panied us. After crossing the river, our cavalry, followed 
by the Eleventh and Twelfth corps, marched to Germania 
Ford, on the Rapidan, while the Fifth corps went to Ely's 
Ford, On reaching the Ford we surprised a party of rebels 

building a bridge, capturing and wounding several of them. 
30 



234 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

We had one man killed, and Lieutenant Ramsay, of the 
Sixth New York, wounded. 

The crossing'of the stream, which was deep and rapid, with 
high bluffs on either side, was very diflScult. Bonfires were 
built on the banks, and cavalry stationed in the stream to 
rescue any of the infantry, who, missing their footing, should 
be carried down with the current. In this manner many 
were rescued who must otherwise have perished. "We were 
hours in bringing these poor fellows to life again. The 
crossing of the Rapidan, illumined by these fires, was a scene 
worthy the pencil of the most skillful artist. 

April 30th we advanced through "the Wilderness," meet- 
ing with but little opposition, and reached Chancellorsville 
before night. The Sixth New York Cavalry, commanded 
by Lieutenant- Colonel McVicker, went on picket in the 
direction of Spotsylvania Court House, and where attacked 
and overpowered by superior numbers. Lieutenant-Colonel 
McVicker, as brave and gallant an officer as the army could 
boast, was killed, and a number of others were killed, wounded 
or taken prisoners. 

May 1st the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, on picket, 
were attacked, and had several wounded. The cavalry bri- 
gade moved back a short distance, giving the infantry the 
front, and we rested for the night. It appears that the 
enemy were busy all night preparing for a vigorous attack 
the following day. All were aware that the crisis Avas now 
at hand, for two great and hostile armies could not long 
remain in such close proximity without an engagement. At 
early dawn" we were at General Hooker's headquarters, and 
about mid-day the firing in front became very lively, and 
our forces were driving the enemy before them and capturing 
prisoners. General Pleasanton was ordered to support Gen- 
eral Sickles, whose division was engaged, when, about four 
o'clock P. M., volleys of musketry suddenly broke upon our 
ears, from the right flank, (held by the Eleventh corps). In 
a few moments a staff officer rode up saying " the Eleventh 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 235 

corps is falling back in confusion, and want support." Gen- 
eral Pleasanton at once countermarched his column, and 
coming out into the open space, sent the Eighth Pennsylva- 
nia and Sixth New York up the turnpike to the support of 
the infantry. They met and charged the enemy but were 
terribly cut to pieces, losing some of their brave and gallant 
officers and men. The General ordered his staff to assist in 
stopping the stampeders, now coming down upon us like an 
avalanche — riderless horses, cannon, caissons, ambulances 
and wagons, all in the utmost confusion ; and men, demoral- 
ized and frightened almost out of their senses, came rushing 
along by thousands. The General gave orders to his artil- 
lery to " aim low and hold their fire." Several guns were 
stopped and turned toward the enemy, and a line formed of 
the runaways, when, in the small pines, not fifty yards in our 
front, we could distinctly see gathering hosts, and although 
it was now the dusk of the evening, we could see that their 
flag bore a close resemblance to our own. Fearing to fire, 
the General sent Lieutenant Thompson, of his staff, to 
ascertain who they were. Riding out in front of our guns, 
to within thirty yards of the flag, he could recognize the 
stars and stripes. They called to the Lieutenant to " come 
over," when he discovered their treachery. They vjere rebels 
carrying our flag ! Wheeling his horse, in a moment he 
was back among us; when they poured a volley of musketry 
into our midst. The loud, shrill command of " fire," rang 
out along our line, and in a moment twenty-two cannons, 
double-shotted with canister, sent forth torrents of death, 
which stopped their advance, and laid hundreds hors de com- 
bat. It was at this time that the rebel General Jackson was 
killed, and, I have no doubt, by our own fire. For twenty 
minutes the fire was terrible. Our Light-Horse Battery lost 
thirty-six horses and a number of men, while among the cav- 
alry few casualties occurred. My own horse was shot under 
me, pierced by two balls. Firing^ceased, and all was quiet 
except the occasional crack of a rifle along the picket line. 



236 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

In this condition of affairs 1 took a dispatch to General 
Hooker, who was at the Chancellor House, informing him of 
our position, and that we had checked the enemy's advance. 
We held this position until near day-light, when we were 
relieved by a brigade of infantry. Retiring in the direction 
of U. S. Ford, we crossed the river and encamped on a hill. 

With the morning came another desperate attack, which 
lasted most of the day, forcing the federal army back about 
two miles, which gave the enemy command of the roads 
through Chancellorsville. The Chancellor House during the 
battle was burned to the ground ; and some of General 
Hooker's staff officers displayed their courage by rescuing a 
number of ladies from the burning building. The shell 
which fired the house, struck the portico on which General 
Hooker was standing, and stunned him severely though not 
inflicting any dangerous injury. 

May 4th the fighting was mostly .in the center and to the 
left of our line. General Sedgwick's corps had crossed the 
river and occupied Fredericksburg ; but the failure of Gen- 
eral Hooker to conquer Jackson's troops and others opposed 
to him, allowed them to attack Sedgwick with overpower- 
ing numbers, and re-take Fredericksburg. 

Before daylight the enemy succeeded in getting a battery 
in position on the south side of the river opposite our camp, 
and commanding the corral and ambulance station, and 
opened upon us a deadly fire. The shells, like meteors, des- 
cribed the arcs of large circles in the air, and then burst 
over and among us, stampeding our horses and causing a 
panic among the drivers. They also fell among the prisoners 
and wounded five or six men. During the night the army 
of the Potomac began to withdraw across the river. 

On the 5th a heavy rain storm began, rendering the roads 
almost impassable, but the following night all were safely 
withdrawn, the pontoons removed, and on the Gth the army 
returned to nearly their old position between Fredericksburg 
and Acquia Creek. Thus ended in failure General Hooker's 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 207 

attempt to drive the enemy from the line ot the Rappahan- 
nock. Like that of General Burnside's, in December, it 
appeared to be well planned, but failed in execution. There 
can be no doubt that General Pleasanton, with his little 
band of cavalry and Martin's battery, saved the 
army and General Hooker's headquarters from capture ; 
for such a stampede and demoralization as that of 
the Eleventh corps, was never equaled except at the 
first battle of Bull Run. The Stoneman raid, though it 
accomplished much in the destruction of property, failed to 
sever the connections with Richmond, and the enemy were 
allowed to send re-inforcements to their army, which gave 
them a great advantage. But they lost their inimitable 
Jackson, whom they had reason to mourn. His well-known 
bravery inspired them with courage that no other General 
had the power to impart. 

An anecdote connected with the expedition is related sub- 
stantially as follows : 

While the army of the Potomac were crossing the river on 
the pontoon bridge at U. S. Ford, a large frog stuck his 
head above the water and cried out, " Big thing. Big thing ;" 
which was interpeted as an omen of success. But when the 
defeated army were retreating across the same bridge, in a 
drenching rain storm, they looked for the prophet frog, 
which could not be found. In his place came a small, lean, 
lank frog, who screeched out in a shrill, sharp voice, " Can't 
see it. Can't see it," which was a fit reply to the former. 

During the night of May 5th, the Eighth Illinois were 
ordered to Falmouth, where they loaded their jaded horses 
with forage and then marched, via. Hartwood Church, to 
Elk Run, which was so swollen by the late rains it could not 
be forded. After passing a rainy night on its banks, they 
constructed a bridge and then marched to Kelly's Ford, 
where a part of the regiment was set to work making rifle- 
pits to defend the ford, and a part went on to Rappahan- 
nock Station, six miles above, to defend that place and 
protect the railroad bridge. 



238 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

May the 8th, another squadron ■was sent to Norman's 
Ford to dig rifle-pits, which, with foraging, seemed to be the 
business of the regiment. General Stoneman, returning 
from his raid, reached Kelly's Ford, but was unable to cross 
on account of the swollen stream. The rain had ceased but 
all the rivulets had swollen into torrents. At night orders 
came to return to the army again, and about sunrise we 
reached Ilartwood Church, and during the day went into 
camp at Potomac Creek, almost worn out with the incessant 
marching which had been continued both day and night. 

On the 11th the Paymaster made his appearance, much to 
the joy of the men, who had been without pay for many 
months. The men sent home about twenty-five thousand 
dollars, it being about thirty-two dollars to each man. 

May 14th an immense train of ambulances were sent 
under a flag of truce to bring our wounded from within the 
rebel lines. The suS'erings of these poor men, who had not 
been provided for, baflles human description. Many were 
alive with maggots, and hundreds must die, who, with proper 
care, might have been saved. Brigade headquarters were 
moved within four miles of Acquia Creek, but the regiment 
remained at Potomac Creek Station until the 17th of May, 
when orders came for a reconnoisance to King George and 
the "Northern Neck." Nothing could have pleased our 
men better, for from their experience in picketing that 
country, they knew where to find good living. 

The regiment left camp with five hundred men, and four 
days' rations. The region called the "Northern Neck" 
lies between the Rappahannock and Potomac, and during 
the war was the refuge of guerrillas and smugglers ; the 
former having caused the pickets no little annoyance in 
various ways. It was for the purpose of inflicting summary 
punishment on these citizen-marauders, and breaking up the 
contraband trade, that the Eighth Illinois paid them a visit ; 
and there is little doubt but that they made a lasting 
impression. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 239 

After reaching King George Court House Lieutenant- 
Colonel Clendennin divided his command into three battal- 
ions, commanded by himself, Majors Beveridge and Medill ; 
each taking a turnpike road and marching the entire length 
of "the neck," until they arrived at the junction of the two 
rivers ; capturing and destroying rebel property without 
limit. The entire country Avas searched, and every nook along 
the banks of the two rivers explored. One hundred sloops, 
yawls, ferry-boats, <fcc., were burned with their contents ; 
consisting of salt, oil, whisky, leather, stationery, wool cards, 
percussion caps, boots, shoes, clothing and many other articles 
of especial value to the rebels. About twenty thousand 
pounds of bacon and a large quantity of flour was also des- 
troyed. At Leed's Ferry it was ascertained that the ferry- 
boat used for smuggling was on the southern bank of the 
Rappahannock, and it was especially desirable that it should 
be destroyed. A yankee trick was devised to induce the 
rebels to bring it across the river. Captain Southworth, 
Sergeant Cassady and four others, dressed themselves in 
rebel gray, and taking two of their own men along with 
them as prisoners, called to the men on the opposite bank to 
bring the boat over and take them across. The deception 
was so complete that the rebels brought the boat over, where- 
upon they were made prisoners and the boat destroyed. 

On the 22d of May, while Lieutenant Ilazleton and Ser- 
geant Martin, of Company D, were about three miles from 
camp, they were fired upon by guerillas. Martin was 
severely wounded, fifteen buckshots taking effect in his per- 
son. The Lieutenant escaped unharmed. 

On returning from this reconnoisance, the negroes belong- 
ing to the plantations along the line of march, joined the 
emancipatihg column, coming in squads of from five to 
twenty, until there were finally accumulated fifteen hundred 
men, women and children of the contraband persuasion. 
They brought with them all their personal property, horses, 
mules, carts, clothing, &c., and doubtless some that did not 



240 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

legitimately belong to them, but which they had confiscated 
from rebel masters, under the "sequestration act." We also 
found some very loyal citizens who rendered most valuable 
assistance to our troops. 

Not the least important result of this expedition was the 
addition of five hundred valuable horses and mules ; much 
needed in the service. These animals were with few excep- 
tions far superior to those purchased by the Government 
for cavalry service. The stories invented by the rebel 
citizens to induce our men to leave their horses and mules, 
were very touching and affecting. In most cases, the men 
being in the rebel army, the women of the house would 
appear as a widow with " nine small children, and this ani- 
mal was the only tiling on which they had to depend for 
support;" when, not unfrequently, three or four fine horses 
would be found secreted in a clump of pines near by. 

The regiment reached camp near Brook's Station on the 
27th, and a more ludicrous procession was never seen 
than this cavalcade of cavalry, negroes, captured horses, 
mules, carts, wagons, oxen, rebel soldiers, trotting sulkies, 
top carriages, tfec, &c. Not unfrequentiy a small mule 
would be harnessed by the side of a large horse, ox or cow, 
and when the wheel of a cart or carriage would give out, the 
negroes would "confiscate" one from the nearest plantation, 
whether it was smaller or twice the size of the one broken. 
Three or four children would be mounted on a single mule, 
all of which added to the laughable appearance of the pro- 
cession, which was three miles long. 

On reaching Belle Plain, the women, children and all but 
the ablebodied negro men, were transferred to the steamboat, 
" Long Branch," and sent to Washington. Once upon the 
boat their happiness knew no bounds. They cheered, 
laughed, cried, danced, and went into all manner of gesticu- 
lations and demonstrations of joy. They called upon God to 
bless us, and as the boat moved down the bay, their songs of 
thanksgiving were loud and long. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 241 

As a result of the expedition, wo brought in one hundred 
prisoners, some of vrhom were guiltj of crimes punishable 
by death ; also three officers, a few smugglers and upward of 
five thousand dollars in confederate money, besides some 
government securities. Of the negroes, three hundred stout 
field hands were assigned to the Quartermaster's department 
as laborers. In order to feed this large family while on the 
march, heavy levies were made upon the graineries of the 
secesh. The soldiers took possession of their mills, and the 
men soon convinced the inhabitants that they were equal to 
almost any emergency, for they speedily transformed them- 
selves into millers, and thus the command Avas abundantly 
supplied. 

It was found that some of the wealthiest citizens on " the 
neck " were engaged in the smuggling business, or contribut- 
ing in some way to the support of the rebellion ; and these 
gentlemen were made to pay dearly for their secession 
sympathies. As their negroes had left them it was thought 
but just that the soldiers should take their rations. In this 
manner the "Illinois Emancipators" fared sumptuously. 
The official reports of the raid show upward of one million 
dollars worth of rebel property destroyed aside from what 
was brought into camp ; while the blow struck at the smug- 
gling trade was the severest one yet dealt. 

After the return of the regiment from this expedition, a 
few days of rest intervened, during which time the captured 
horses were appraised and distributed, and one fine stallion 
given to General Pleasanton. Orders were issued by Gen- 
eral Hooker, requiring that all the horses and other captured 
property should be turned over to the Quartermaster ; but 
upon the representation of the Colonel that the horses were 
needed in the regiment, they were allowed to be retained. 
The other property was immediately given into the hands of 
the proper officers ; not, however, without some anathemas 
being heaped upon the author of the order. It was rumored 
31 



242 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

that some sutler's goods never found their way to the 
Provost Marshal's hands. 

On the 5th of June, heavy firing was heard above Freder- 
icKsburg. A reconnoisance was made which demonstrated 
what had been reported from Washington — that Lee's army 
was encamped in the neighborhood of Culpepper, preparing 
to march north. General Lee was not in favor of this move- 
ment, but their late success in repulsing the aimy of the 
Potomac under Burnside and Hooker, had emboldened them, 
and to appease the popular clamor, he had consented to 
undertake the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and 
if possible obtain possession of not only AVashington, but 
Baltimore and Philadelphia. After a review of the brigade, 
which the soldiers considered equivalent to an order to 
march, on the 6th of June camp was struck and the cavalry 
marched, via. Stafford Court House and Hartwood Church, 
to Catlett Station, on the Orange & Alexandria Rail Road, 
which place we occupied about June 7th, where rations and 
forage were obtained from Alexandria by railroad. 

The cavalry corps now commanded by General Pleasanton 
consisted of three divisions and a reserve brigade. An 
attack, or reconnoisance in force, by the whole cavalry corps 
was determined upon, to ascertain, if possible, General Lee's 
exact position and intentions. The First Division and reserve 
brigade were to cross the Rappahannock at Beverly Ford, 
the Second Division at Kelly's Ford, and the Third Division 
at Rappahannock station. For this particular occasion the 
First Division was divided into two independent brigades — 
the first under Colonel Davis, of the Eighth New York, and 
the second under Colonel Deven, of the Sixth I^ew York, 
and both under General Buford, who also commanded the 
reserve brigade. We waited the coming of night to advance 
without being discovered. During the afternoon the resigna- 
tion of Dr. Crawford was received and accepted, to date 
January 6th, 1863. We marched that night to within a 
mile or two of the fords, and awaited the approach of dawn. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 243 

Scarcely had the golden sunlight cast its rays upon the silver 
clouds that skirted the eastern horizon, when " boots and 
saddles " were sounded and the busy bustle of camp beto- 
kened work for the cavalier. The march was commenced 
for the ford, (the first brigade leading the way,) in the follow- 
ing order : Eighth New York, Eighth Illinois, and Third 
Indiana. In consequence of the sickness and absence of the 
just been appointed Major, but not yet mustered as such, 
senior officers, Captain Clark, of Company C, who had 
commanded the Eighth Illinois. The ford was deep and the 
banks abrupt, and two could only cross abreast. A staff 
officer of Colonel Davis was stationed at the river and as 
each company officer came through the stream, he received 
the order to "draw sabres," which was obeyed. Between 
the river and the woods in front was an open space across 
which one squadron of the Eighth JSTew York, led by Colo- 
nel Davis in person, moved rapidly ; but at the edge of the 
woods they came upon a barricade of rails which the enemy 
had constructed to impede their progress. Here the pickets 
poured into the Eighth New York a deadly fire. Several 
were killed and several mortally wounded, among whom was 
the gallant Colonel Davis. Nothing daunted, they rushed 
upon the rebels with drawn sabres, and drove them for a 
considerable distance into the woods, where, meeting re-in- 
forcements, the rebels poured into their ranks a fire they 
could not withstand, and they fell back in confusion. On 
reaching the woods the Eighth Illinois returned their sabres 
and drew their revolvers ; and hastening forward a part of 
the regiment received the enemy, who vfere pressino- hard 
upon the Eighth New York, with a yell accompanied by volleys 
of lead, so well directed as to turn the tide of battle, driving 
the enemy through the woods into the open fields beyond 
where they had a battery encamped which barely escaped 
falling into our hands. On reaching a hill beyond the woods 
where a body of the enemy were in reserve, they turned 
their cannon upon us and shelled the woods. Thev also 



244 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

made an attempt to turn our left, charging furiously on 
Company D, but were severely repulsed. To the right a 
large party of the enemy tried to force our cavalry back, 
and actually got possession of the road in our rear, but the 
part of the Eighth Illinois regiment not engaged in the fight, 
here had an opportunity to display their courage, and the 
conflict was severe; but the enemy were forced to yield the 
(/round, after a bloody encounter. 

When the battle opened upon the right, the enemy were 
in possessson of a stone fence, a little in front of our line, 
which served the purpose of rifle-pits, from which they could 
fire almost in safety. A squadron of the Second United 
States Dragoons, were sent to take the wall, and after doing 
so, were driven back by superior numbers, losing a Captain 
killed, and many of their men wounded. General Pleasan- 
ton called for a detachment of the Eighth Illinois. Yolun- 
teers from Captain Forsythc's squadron, under Sergeant 
Clapp, were dismounted and sent out, who attempted to 
flank the enemy from the right, which at least was a peril- 
ous undertaking, as nearly double the number sent to make 
the attack were behind the wall. Not a shot was fired, nor 
a man visible until our boys were half way across the field, 
when the enemy came over the hill in the rear of their line, 
to re-inforce those behind the wall, opening a fire which 
would have been terrible had they been less excited. Ser- 
i^eant Clapp led his men forward toward the enemy's right, 
but found that they were too strong and their fire too severe 
to admit of his turning their flank as easily as had been 
imagined. 

Not content to go back without accomplishing their object, 
our men laid down and commenced firing ; so as to pay their 
compliments to their rebel friends to the extent of their am- 
munition. They remained in this position as sharp-shooters 
until relieved by other troops forming a line in their rear, 
which event did not transpire until most of them had ex- 
hausted their ammunition, and one or two had burst their 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 245 

carbines from the rapid firing which their situation neces- 
sitated. 

A curious incident occurred during their advance across 
the field. A gallant young Sergeant, Henry Pearson, of 
Company F, was knocked down by a conical ball, which 
struck him on the breast, just over the heart, and he 
would inevitably have been killed in an instant but for a 
book carried in his breast pocket — the parting gift of a be- 
loved mother. It was with evident concern that his com- 
rades ran to him, and were pleased to find that, although 
felled to the ground by the shock, he was only " wounded in 
the testament." 

The service of the Eighth Illinois, during the remainder 
of the day, was in connection with the reserve brigade. The 
Eighth Illinois was among the first to advance, and the last 
to withdraw. In all parts of the field the severity of the 
fight is without precedent in cavalry warfare. Any one 
who wished to witness stubborn fighting, should have seen 
the Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana, as they stood in line, 
firing constantly and maintaining their ground against a 
much greater number of rebels, equally as stubborn. 

After being under fire twelve hours, the troops re-crossed 
the river, with the Eighth Illinois bringing up the rear. 
This, without doubt, was the hardest fought cavalry battle of 
the war, up to that time. The loss of the Eighth Illinois was 
severely felt — one man, James Evans, of Company L, killed 
and thirty-six wounded, several of whom died ; some within 
a few days, and others weeks later. The following is a list 
of the wounded : 

Captain A. Clark, Company C, afterwards died. 

Captain J. G. Smith, Company B, afterwards died. 

Captain George A. Forsythe, Company A. 

Captain D. J. Ilynes, Company F. 

Corporal O. G. Hess, Company C. 

Corporal George W. McKinzie, Company C. 

N. Cosman, Company A. 



246 THE EIOHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

W. II. Shurtliff, Company B. 
James McCarty, Company C. 
George W. Woodruff, Company C. 
Hiram II. Miller, Company C. 

E. Hughes, Company D. 

Judson Farrer, Company E, afterward died. 

Charles Sliter, Company E. 

Daniel R. Bump, Company F. 

William Young, Company G. 

Judson Annis, Company G. 

James O'Brien, Company G. 

John Knapp, Company G. 

F. B. Wakefield, Company G. 
John W. Lae, Company G. 
Sergeant J. N. Brooks, Company II. 
Sergeant J. C. Clemens, Company II. 
Sergeant George Hupp, Company K. 
Sergeant E. R. Buckley, Company C. 
Corporal S. D. Wessen, Company K. 
Corporal Amos Churchill, Company M. 
George H. Fleming, Company K. 
Henry Aiken, Company L. 

William Snively, Company L. 

Thomas Bolter, Company L. 

Kimber L. John, Company M. 

George Mills, Company M. 

Luman V. Grant, Company M. 

Herman Yelding, Company M. 

George W. Ferry, Company B. 
The life of the last was saved by the ball striking a testa- 
ment, as in the case of Pearson. 

Upon the fall of Captain Clark the command of the regi- 
ment devolved upon Captain E. J. Farnsworth. It is useless 
to attempt to praise any officers — all did their parts well — 
reflecting great credit upon themselves and the noble State 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 247 

they represented, and both officers and men were highly 
complimented by the commanding general. 

Other regiments also suffered severely. The Eighth New 
York lost Colonel Davis and Captain Foote, the latter shot 
through the heart and instantly killed. Braver officers than 
the above named were not in the army. Captain Ward, of 
the regular brigade, formerly of General Pleasanton's staff, 
was killed, and fell into the hands of the enemy. The Sec- 
ond Dragoons are said to have lost eight officers, forty men, 
and fifty missing. 

The other divisions of the corps crossed the river, as con- 
templated, and pressed the enemy in their front as far back 
as Brandy Station. As the enemy's cavalry was forced back 
upon their infantry, it became necessary to withdraw ; and 
night found the corps where it started in the morning. 
A desperate battle had been fought, the loss on both sides 
very heavy, the position and intention of the enemy ascer- 
tained, and yet we were compelled to encamp at night upon 
our old ground. 

We afterward learned that General Stuart, the day before 
the battle, had a grand review of his cavalry, and had 
arranged for a grand party the day of the battle, but our 
attack disarranged his plans, and prevented the rebel ladies 
from enjoying the treat which they had in prospect. In relat- 
ing this incident to us, some of the fair ones, though terribly 
indignant, acknowledged that Stuart was sadly defeated. 

The usual scenes during, and after a battle, were enacted. 
The wounded were brought to a farm-house where the doctors 
were busily engaged until late at night. Dr. Stull was des- 
ignated to take charge of the wounded who were sent to 
Washington, and on the morning of the 10th he succeeded 
in getting them into the hospital in the city. 

June 10th the command returned to Catlett Station. 
Colonel Deven again assumed command of the division, until 
new arrangements could be effected. The division was soon 
increased by the addition of the reserve brigade, and Gen- 



248 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

eral John Buford placed in command, to whom we reported 
for duty on the 14th of June. It was evident that, although 
delayed by our attack. General Lee was again marching 
towards Pennsylvania ; and orders were issued to be ready to 
march, so on the loth the infantry having been passing for 
two days, the cavalry followed, the Eighth Illinois being the 
rear guard. The roads were exceedingly dusty, and we 
reached Manassas at night. 



CHAPTER X. 

Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign— Battle of Aldie — Battle of Upperville— The 
march continued — General Hooker relieved — General Mead in command of the army 
— Skirmish at Fairfield — The cavalry enter Gettysburg— Battle of Gettysburg—Death 
of General E. J. Famsworth— Hanging a spy — Battle of Williamsport — Death of 
Major Medill— Fighting near Boonsboro— Battle of Funkstown — Battle of Falling 
Water— March to Berlin — Into "Virginia again — Fight at Chester Gap — Battle of 
Brandy Station — Another fight near Brandy Station— Battle of Culpepper— Taking Pony 
Mountain— Battle of Kaccoon Ford— The Kemper Brothers— Battle of Jack's Shop. 

On the 17th we set out for Pennsylvania. Passing 
through Centerville, the main column of the First Brigade 
went in the direction of Aldie ; though much of the cavalry 
moved by different routes, General Kilpatrick's Brigade 
taking the advance. At Aldie they encountered the enemy 
in force. The Fourth New York Cavalry first encountered 
them, charged and then gave way. The First Maine then 
drove the enemy back, and, with the First Massachusetts, 
were ordered to charge them behind a stone wall with drawn 
sabres. As a consequence the dead union soldiers lay 
strewn along the road by scores, presenting a terrible spec- 
tacle. Colonel Dougherty, of the First Maine, and forty 
men were left dead upon the field. The rebels captured 
Colonel Sessanole, of the Fourth New York, and nearly a 
squadron of the First Maine, but lost about eighty prisoners, 
including one Captain. We counted thirteen dead rebels on 
the [field, so that we concluded that the Union loss was 
greatest. 

General Kilpatrick was speaking to Captain Hynes, of 
the gallant manner in which his men had driven the enemy. 
The Captain, not perceiving his rank, dampened his ardor by 
32 



260 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

asking -^here the dead rebels were. " I can see plenty of 
your dead," said the Captain, "but few rebels." 

June 18th the First Brigade made an advance, the Third 
Indiana in front, driving the enemy across Goose Creek, and 
as far as Philamont. There was some lively skirmishing in 
which the Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana both partici- 
pated, to the great delight of General Buford who compli- 
mented them highly. Before the return of the regiment 
across Goose Creek, some staff officer of General Pleasan- 
ton, either mistaking his orders, or giving orders on his own 
responsibility, hearing that the cavalry was hard pressed by 
the enemy, directed the bridge across the creek to be burned, 
thus compelling the weary cavalry to either ford the deep 
stream, or march many miles to seek another crossing. Our 
men forded, or swam, the stream ; not, however, without 
bestowing hearty curses upon that officer. 

May 19th Colonel Gregg's division had a severe fight 
near Middleburg, losing a number of men and horses, a 
large part of the First Rhode Island Cavalry being reported 
lost, and the Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Maine. Our 
regiment was on picket, and in the afternoon Company H, 
while on a scout among the mountains, came upon a number 
of the rebel wounded who had been secreted by the citizens, 
Near Aldie lived a Connecticut family by the name of Davis, 
familiarly known as "Yankee Davis." His barns were con- 
verted into hospitals, and his noble wife administered to the 
wants of the wounded to the extent of her ability. He was 
finally obliged to leave the country, on account of the per- 
secutions of the secessionists who had threatened to take his 
life, and made many attempts to accomplish their object. 

Sunday, June 21st, General Pleasanton, with his two 
divisions of cavalry, advanced in the direction of Upperville, 
and at Middleburg came upon the enemy. The First Divi- 
sion was at the right of the main road, commanded by Gen- 
eral Buford in person, while Colonel Gamble commanded 
the First Brigade. Fighting began at Goose Creek, about 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 251 

eleven o'clock A. M., the enemy consisting of the Ninth 
and Eleventh Yirginia Cavalry and Second South Carolina 
Cavalry. 

After being dislodged from the banks of the creek, they 
made a stand behind almost every stone fence, which an- 
swered the purpose of breastworks, and fought with despera- 
tion, but were pressed back by our gallant troopers. Whil© 
skirmishing in this way, Hanson Town, of Company A, was 
shot and instantly killed, and one man of the Third Indiana 
was shot in the neck and died in a short time. The enemy's 
loss was at least three times that of ours. 

Near night the rebels were pressed back to the mountains. 
Here, in splendid position in a number of fields fenced with 
stone, we came suddenly on their line of battle. There 
must have been six thousand of them. Our force was but 
a handful in comparison. The gap through the mountain 
was directly in their rear, and the mountain protected both 
flanks from being turned.. 

As soon as General Buford saw the rebels he ordered the 
Eighth Illinois to charge them. The Third Indiana was 
acting as skirmishers to our brigade. The enemy were 
massed in column of regiments in our front, ready to advance 
as soon as we entered the field, which they occupied. Their 
artillery was advantageously posted and reserved its fire until 
we came within range of grape and cannister. The bugle 
sounded the charge and away we went, Lieutenaut-Colonel 
Clendeunin leading the Eighth Illinois at the outset. At the 
first fire of the rebels, Colonel Gamble's horse was killed 
under him, pitching the Colonel headlong to the ground. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin was also unhorsed, and Major 
Medill then took command. Forward was the word, and 
the gallant Eighth that never yet quailed before the rebels 
were soon within a short distance of the front line of the 
enemy, carrying their carbines at the "aim." '-Fire" 
shouted the Major, and seven hundred pieces blazed away, 
and scores were rendered helpless by that one volley. In 



252 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

an instant our men were upon tliem with their revolvers, 
cracking at them right and left. They broke and fled from 
the first field. 

Some fresh regiments of the rebels came forward to rescue 
their friends, and a few squadrons of the Third Indiana and 
Twelfth Illinois came to our support. We quickly formed 
ranks to receive their charge — every carbine was loaded, and 
our line stood behind a stone fence. We received their fire 
and gave them one deadly volley, when Major Medill ordered 
a charge, and at it we went, chiefly relying upon our revol- 
vers, and the rebels upon their swords. 

They seemed determined to whip us, and held their ground 
for some time. It was very exciting ; but a shot from a six- 
shooter, at close quarters, aimed by a western man, is mors 
than a match for a sword in the hands of the "chivalry." 
We had in return about forty men wounded, but none killed 
nor taken prisoners. During the fight an attempt was made 
to get on our flank, but Captain Hynes, with a battalion of 
our regiment, galloped around and ellectually repulsed the 
effort. 

Three times more did the rebels try to regain their lost 
ground and drive us back, but each time were driven from 
the field. In some of the charges individual members of our 
cavalry would be taken prisoners, but by vigorous dashes 
we recovered them all, not losing a single man. We 
wounded and captured Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis of the 
Ninth Virginia, beside one hundred others ; and killed and 
wounded more than two hundred. I here insert an incident 
to the credit of Major Medill as related by Captain Waite : 

" While he was rallying after one of our charges, I saw a 
rebel horseman, with drawn sword, chasing Sergeant-Major 
Samuel W. Smith, who got mixed up with the "rebs." 
Major Medill, who happened to be near, put spurs to his 
horse and with a feAV bounds was close beside the rebel, who 
raised his sword and shouted "surrender." Medill brought 
his revolver to an aim, when the fellow threw down his sabre 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 253 

and cried out, " I surrender — don't shoot." He saved his 
life by just a second, as more than one bullet would have 
lodged in his body the next instant. The prisoner proved 
to be a Major of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, and big 
enough to have whipped two of our Major in a fist-fight, but 
on the day of battle size gives but little advantage." 

General Pleasanton bestowed high encomiums upon our 
regiment, and the Third Indiana and Twelfth Illinois. 

The instances of bravery displayed in this fight were 
without parallel. We heard them related in camp at the 
time, but are unable to recall them at present. One of the 
prisoners wanted to know who that officer was that wore the 
red cap, and charged upon them with such recklessness and 
bravery. He referred to Lieutenant Warner, of Company 
G. During the battle the Lieutenant had lost his hat, and, 
fighting in his bare head, his red hair was mistaken for a red 
cap. In fact our men challenged the admiration of all 
observers, by the determined manner in which they not only 
held their ground, but dealt telling blows upon the enemy. 
Though the opposing batteries were belching grape and can- 
niater into their ranks continually, they treated it with the 
utmost contempt, and kept busily at work, unheeding its 
terrors. 

The Second Division had some severe fighting, but drove 
the enemy before them, and left us masters of the field 
and the enemy driven into the mountain fastnesses at Ashby's 
Gap. 

We formed a division hospital in a bam on. the farm of a 
Mr. Richardson, where we had forty-three wounded men; 
nine of whom were rebels. During the night, orders came 
to place the wounded in ambulances and have them started 
for Aldie, fourteen miles d'stant, as we should fall back to 
that point before daylight. One man, I. Picket, of Com- 
pany F, had been shot in the thigh, severing the femoral 
artery, and before he could be brought from the field, nearly 
bled to death. A tourniquet was applied and he was 



254 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

left to rally by the use of stimulants while the 
others were undergoing operations. When the order 
came to move, our attention was turned to him. To 
leave him there without an operation would be sure death, 
and to remove him would be equally perilous. There waa 
but a feeble, flicl^ering pulse, and the loss of a gill 
more blood might prove fatal. To add to this, we had but 
two inches of tallow candle left, and all our Assistant-Sur- 
geons had given out, either through sickness or exhaustion, 
save Dr. Sanger, of the Sixth New York, and he was intox- 
icated. But we thought this desperate situation justified 
desperate proceedings, and with the assistance of Dr. Sanger 
and Hospital-Steward Willing, we operated successfully, and 
tied the artery. 

The wounded were then loaded into ambulances, and be- 
fore daylight were on the road to Aldie. Arriving there 
they were put into " Yankee Davis' " barn, and afterward 
sent to Washington. Picket recovered, and at this writing, 
(1868,) is not only living and well, but is married and has 
an interesting family. 

We remained at Aldie until June 26th. On the 25th 
Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin, was ordered to Alexandria, 
and put in charge of the dismounted men at that place — a 
very responsible position — and Major Beveridge took com- 
mand of the regiment. While waiting at Aldie a large part 
oi the infantry arrived, and at four o'clock A. M., of the 
26th of June, the cavalry took up their line of march for 
Leesburg, where they encamped for the night. 

June 27th we crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, 
forded the Monococy near its mouth, and rolling ourselves 
in our blankets, lay down in a rain-storm, at the base of the 
Katoctin mountains, near Point of Rocks. 

June 28th marched over the mountains and reached Mid- 
dletown, Maryland, where we were received by the union 
inhabitants with their usual hospitality, and where we re- 
mained during the day. While there we learned that Gen- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 255 

eral Hooker had been relieved of the command of the army, 
and General Meade was to take his place. We also heard 
that Lee's army was already in advance of us, making dep- 
redations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

Early on the morning of the 29th the march was resumed, 
and that night we rested in the valley, twelve or fifteen miles 
from Gettysburg, having marched thirty miles, and passed 
over two mountains. Here we ascertained that the Pennsyl- 
vania militia, which had been called out to defend their 
homes, had a skirmish with the advance of the enemy, and 
had captured and lost some prisoners. But the natives were 
either so disloyal, or afraid to give information they did not 
inform us of the position of the enemy, although a regiment 
of them were within three miles of our camp. 

At dawn of day the column was in motion. Moving on 
the Hagerstown and Gettysburg road, we reached Fairfield, 
where we found the enemy in possession. The atmosphere 
was so foggy that our skirmishers came upon them very un- 
expectedly. Shots were rapidly exchanged, and a ball 
struck Thomas Withrow, of Company C, in the stomach, 
but coming in contact with some hard substance, did not 
penetrate, though it knocked him off his horse. This made 
Tom angry, and he swore he would have revenge. Being 
dismounted, he ran behind a barn and began firing on his 
own responsibility. At first our men drove in the rebel 
pickets, but they being re-inforced, our General ordered his 
men to fall back not wishing to bring on a general engg,ge- 
raent, ' Withrow's horse followed our men back to the 
column, leaving its plucky rider at the barn. Tom kept 
firing until he heard a rebel officer give orders to search the 
barn, when he hid his arms and then himself in the hay 
mow. They entered the barn, searched every part, thrust 
their bayonets down through the hay, but fortunately did 
not find him. Tom said he could have killed the rebel Col- 
onel but did not dare, as they would then have discovered 
him and doubtless taken his life, which he valued more than 
that of a rebel Colonel. 



266 THE ilGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

The wounded were brought into the barn and he over- 
heard their conversation, from which he learned that we 
had killed one man and wounded three. 

The rebels soon left the town, and as a citizen entered the 
barn Tom inquired if there was a chance of escape. The 
man was at first frightened, and answered, "I don't know," 
but soon learning that Tom was a union soldier, took him to 
the house and gave him a good dinner ; being highly pleased 
with the adventure of the brave fellow. Withrow followed 
the public road and joined the regiment at Gettysburg. 

The cavalry now withdrew, and now taking the road to 
Emmetsburg reached that place about noon, where they 
came upon the advance of the infantry, and from 
thence to Gettysburg, which place we entered before night. 
Some of the enemy's cavalry had been there and done a 
little foraging, but they left as our van-guard entered. 
The pickets were stationed a few miles in advance of the 
town, near the mountains, with headquarters of General 
Buford's Division at the Eagle Hotel, kept by Mr. Tate. 

Early next morning, July 1st, our pickets brought word that 
the enemy was advancing in force. Captain Dana was in 
command of the picket line on the Chambersburg road where 
they first made their appearance ; and here, as in many other 
of the great battles, the Eighth Illinois received the first fire 
and shed the first blood. The pickets fell back slowly, 
making all the resistance in their power, and arrangements 
wQre made to hold the rebels in check until the infantry 
could come up. The First Corps, under General Reynolds, 
and the Eleventh Corps, under General 0. O. Howard, were 
known to be between Gettysburg and Emmetsburg, to whom 
notice of the situation was given with a request to hasten 
forward. Two colored servants of rebel officers had been 
captured, who gave valuable information as to the position 
of their forces and who was in command. 

The long line of the enemy came in full view, and their 
batteries rained upon our men showers of shot and shell, l)ut 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 257 

our brave boys stood firm and fell back only when ordered. 
The Eighth New York, on our left, was wavering some, but 
the Third Indiana, on the right, never flinched. About this 
time it began to be warm work. Sergeant Goodspeed, of 
Company H, was wounded and taken to the depot where a 
temporary hospital had been established, and soon after 
Williams, of Company M, had his arm shattered by a ball, 
which required amputation. 

The battle raged with great fury, our division of cavalry 
being all there was to impede the progress of the over- 
powering numbers of the enemy, for several hours. About 
eleven o'clock A. M., General Reynolds and staff arrived 
on the ground, and soon after, the advance of his corps. As 
they came upon Seminary Ridge and deployed in line the 
cavalry was withdrawn. General Buford told me that he 
never saw so daring and successful a thing as was done by 
one of the Eighth Illinois men. As the cavalry skirmishers 
fell back, one man, either not hearing the command or deter- 
mined not to yield, at first stood his ground, then lay down 
in the grass until the enemy's line was nearly upon him, 
when he arose and cried out at the top of his voice, "Come 
on — we have them." Whether the rebels were astonished 
at his madness, or thought he was an officer leading on a 
host, we know not, but their line faltered ; just then a regi- 
ment of General Reynolds corps filed in through the woods 
behind the rebel line, cutting them off from support, and in 
this manner we were enabled to capture General Archer and 
his brigade numbering about eight hundred men. 

On the death of General Reynolds, Generals Howard and 
Doubleday assumed command — General Howard as senior 
officer. Our cavalry were actively engaged on the flanks, 
particularly on the right in front of the College, but fresh 
hordes of the enemy pressed upon us, crowding in our 
advance, and it was not until after noon that the Eleventh 
corps came to our relief. By this time the enemy had a 
strong force in front of this corps, and a row of batteries 
33 



258 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

which opened a torrent of shot upon us, and we soon found 
that our hospital, at the depot, was in their range ; some of 
the shots striking the buildings and tearing them to pieces. 
We removed our wounded to the Presbyterian church near 
the center of the town, and were engaged in amputating the 
arm of a rebel soldier, when a messenger announced a dis- 
patch from General Buford that we must fall back. Hastily 
arranging for the care of the wounded, by leaving Surgeons 
Beck, Rulison and Vosburg to attend tbem, we left the 
church to find the street crowded by the retreating Eleventh 
corps ; and as we rode up toward the cemetery the rebel 
bullets fell thick and fast around us. 

A stand was made just south of the town on Cemetery 
Ridge, which the enemy did not assault with much vigor. 
During the day General Buford received an order from Gen- 
eral Doubleday to charge the enemy in a certain position ; 
but seeing at a glance the inconsistency of ordering cavalry 
to charge upon infantry, who were protected by a stone 
fence, he ordered a part of the Eighth Illinois and Third 
Indiana to dismount and drive the enemy from their position ; 
which they did in the most gallant manner, and to the entire 
satisfaction of their General, who referred to the incident as 
being a brilliant affair. 

Night found the Union army driven from half to a mile 
back of the position it had taken in the morning, but still 
holding a prominent and strong line. During the day 
David Difenbaugh was killed. 

The Surgeons had but little rest, as the wounded occupied 
nearly every farmhouse and barn for miles — the enemy 
having possession of the city of Gettysburg and the battle- 
field, 

The morning of July 2d broke upon the two armies lying 
as quiet as though they were friends. Much of our infantry 
had arrived during the night, a council of war had been held 
^nd all were preparing for a desperate struggle. The cav- 
alry were in line between the enemy and Round Top. Gen 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 259 

eral Sickles' division was advanced across the Emmetsburg 
pike, and all the movements betokened a renewal of the en- 
gagement, when it was rumored that our supplies were in 
danger of being disturbed, and General Buford's division was 
ordered to protect the train. We left the field of Gettys- 
burg about one o'clock P. M., (just as the battle was being 
renewed,) and marched to Taneytown, where we encamped 
for the night, but July 3d continued the marcli to West- 
minister — the terminus of the railroad from Baltimore, and 
the present base of supplies. 

Previous to the commencement of the fight at Gettysburg, 
three gallant young captains had been made Bi-igadier-Gen- 
erals — Captain E. J. Farnsworth, of the Eighth Illinois, and 
Captains Custer and Merritt, of the Regular Army. Each 
in command of a brigade was actively engaged ; Generals 
Farnsworth and Custer had been fighting the enemy who 
were destroying the railroad between Gettysburg and York 
and distinguished themselves and their commands. General 
Farnsworth commanded a brigade of cavalry in the Third 
Division of the cavalry corps then under General Kilpatrick. 
Before the close of the battle of Gettysburg, General Farns- 
worth was ordered by General Kilpatrick to charge the 
enemy over a stone fence which appeared to Farnsworth to 
be worse than folly and certain destruction. He at first 
remonstrated and tried to convince General Kilpatrick of 
the sacrifice it would cause without accomplishing the end 
desired. General Kilpatrick would not yield the point and 
told Farnsworth if he was afraid to make the charge he 
would lead it himself. This was too much for the gallant 
Farnsworth who had never allowed a reflection upon his 
courage, and shaking hands with his officers and bidding 
them farewell he dashed at the enemy, leading his men into 
the jaws of death and was riddled with bullets. Very few 
of those who assisted in that charge ever returned to tell the 
tale. After the battle the body of General Farnsworth was 
recovered and taken to Illinois. 



2(50 THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

While we were lying at Westminister the battle of Gettys- 
burg was progressing, and thousands of rebel prisoners were 
marched by us on their way to Washington. Next day the 
rebel prisoners continued to arrive, and cheering news of the 
result of the battle was received. We here met D wight 
Sabin, an old friend, who was then engaged with the Christ- 
ian Commission, and getting permission of our General to 
allow him to accompany us, we procured a horse for him and 
he joined the medical staff, and did valuable service in assist- 
ing in caring for the sick and wounded. 

Before night we broke camp and took up a line of march 
toward Frederick City. Lee's army had been repulsed and 
was retreating toward Virginia, and we hoped, by going 
round by Frederick City and crossing the South Mountains, 
to intercept him and harrass his troops until the infantry 
could fall upon his rear and route his shattered army. It 
had rained very hard and the roads were muddy, but we 
reached Frederick City at noon the next day. Here we 
found General McReynolds, of Michigan in command. 

Our troops camped in a field about a mile out of town, on 
the Boonsboro road. General Buford had been greatly 
annoyed by what he supposed to be spies, or persons who 
had been allowed to enter camp under various pretexts. 
Some he had arrested and sent to headquarters, who were 
there released. He declared if he caught another he would 
" hang him and not send him up to be promoted to a Brig- 
dier-General." 

This afternoon a man by the name of Richardson, who 
professed to reside in Baltimore, and who was distributing 
religious tracts, came into camp and was suspected of being 
a spy, as he had been seen hanging around camp at other 
times and places. Provost Marshal Mix arrested him, and 
on his person found letters from rebel Generals vouching for 
him, and reccommending other rebels to place implicit reli- 
ance on the information he might give : also passes from 
both Federal and Confederate Generals. He confessed to 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRt. I6l 

having just come from the rebel lines, but said he had been 
to visit his three sons, who were in the Confederate service. 

General Buford carefully examined the papers, and then 
said "hang him." No further trial was had. A few mo- 
ments were given him to prepare to die, in which he tried 
to make his escape, but was recaptured. A rope was placed 
around his neck, one end thrown over the limb of a tree, 
and three soldiers drew him, fastened the rope and left him 
dangling in the air. 

Early, on the morning of the 6th of July, the march was 
resumed. In passing by the field where the execution had 
taken place, we saw the body, still suspended in the air, and 
it is said the citizens did not cut it down for several days, 
nor until every article of clothing was torn from him, and 
carried off as trophies. We made a forced march through 
Middletown, over the South Mountains again, where the 
great battle had been fought, through Boonsboro, and from 
thence to Williamsport, where we hoped to cut off Lee's 
retreat, or destroy his wagon train. General Kilpatrick's 
division marched via Hagerstown, and were to co-operate 
with us. 

When within two miles of Williamsport, we came upon 
General Imboden's rebel infantry, who were in charge of 
their trains, and the crossing at that point ; and a severe 
engagement ensued. Our batteries were brought forward to 
match those of the enemy that were opened upon us. The 
Eighth Illinois was sent forward as dismounted skirmishers, 
and steadily pressed the enemy, who were in a corn-field 
beyond and behind barns and out-buildings. Major Medill 
being on the picket line, in the most exposed condition, was 
shot in the abdomen and mortally wounded. Gale Carter, 
of Company G, was killed, and Sergeant Richard C. Vin- 
son and Alfred C. Bailey were both mortally wounded. 
Captain Sullivan was shot in the head, but not seriously 
wounded, as the ball only fractured the outer table of the 
skull. The wounded were brought back by their comrades 



262 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

a short distance, and then placed in ambulances and taken 
to a barn, designated as a hospital. 

While this battle was progressing and we were driving the 
enemy before us, General Kilpatrick had been driven back 
and forced to retreat. His division, falling in our rear, 
blocked up the only road by which we could retreat, and 
thus left us to receive and resist the entire force of the 
enemy. We succeeded in keeping them in check until night, 
when we fell back, covering the retreat of General Kilpat- 
rick, and bringing off all our wounded except Carter, who 
was left dying on the field. 

We went back some six miles to Stone's Corners, put our 
wounded in a church and attended them during the night. 
It was evident that Major Medill, Bailey and Vinson could 
not survive. The Major had endeared himself to his men 
by many acts of kindness, and by his coolness and undaunted 
courage in the midst of battle. 

On the morning of July 7th the enemy made their appear- 
ance in force, and we were ordered to fall back to Boonsboro. 
The men carried Major Medill on a litter the entire distance 
as the roads were too rough to admit of his riding in an 
ambulance. Vinton and Bailey died at Boonsboro, and 
Medill was taken to Frederick City, where he survived nine 
days of extreme suffering ; then expired like a true soldier 
— calm and composed. Before dying he gave his brother 
Joseph full directions as to his funeral and place of burial. 
Bailey knowing his hour of departure was near, wished me 
to inform his parents that he had tried to perform his duty 
faithfully and did not regret having entered the army. Vin- 
son was calm and composed and met his fate in a soldier-like 
manner. Better, or more noble soldiers could not have been 
found in the army. 

The night following was rainy, but the morning of the 8th 
found the enemy driving in the regular's pickets, on the 
Hagerstown road. Our brigade was on the right and Colonel 
Devins on the left. The left fell back, although supported, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 263 

but the Eighth Illinois stood firm until relieved by other 
troops, who were soon forced back to near the village of 
Boonsboro — the very ground over which we fought success- 
fully September 15th, 1862. 

The Eighth Illinois was now called upon to re-take the 
lost ground. Colonel Gamble objected unless he could take 
his whole brigade to support the Eighth. This arranged, 
away they went. The left being now able to hold their 
position, " the boys " dismounted and pitched into the woods. 
General Buford with them, forcing the enemy to retreat 
more rapidly than they had advanced. Alter once getting 
the enemy started, the boys gave them no time to rally, until 
they were across Antietam Creek, a distance of about two 
miles. The men had run so fast that they were completely 
tired out, but were pleased to see General Buford shake his 
fat sides, as he attempted to keep up with them. He said 
"these boys beat anything in the world on a foot skirmish." 
General Kilpatrick used some very harsh language to his 
men to persuade them to pursue the rebels in like manner ; 
with what effect Ave are unable to say. 

At night we again fell back to Boonsboro, leaving a heavy 
picket line in the front. The loss of the Eighth Illinois 
was Benjamin Weber, Company D, killed ; M. Stevens, 
Company II, Lieutenant Howard, Company I, Orville Fen- 
ton, Company K, wounded. The Eighth New York and 
Third Indiana also lost several. 

July 9th the regiment drew forage and rations, and then 
advanced again, on the Hagerstown road, and met the enemy 
at Beaverdam Creek. Butj|little fighting was done until near 
night, when the boys again dismounted, and went at the 
enemy driving them two or three miles, and fighting until 
late in the night. William E. Smith, of Company F, was 
killed, and it was thought that, being far in advance of the 
Seventeenth Pennsylvania, he met his death by a shot from 
one of them, and not the enemy. At night the camp was 
pitched in the woods, and the tired soldiers rested as best 
they could. 



264 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

July 10th we were up and at the rebels early. The men 
again dismounted and attacked the enemy on foot, driving 
them steadily. General Buford dismounted and walked up 
a hill to see how the day was going, when a bullet passed 
through his blouse, cutting five holes, and narrowly missed 
the nose of the writer, who was a short distance in the rear. 

Our men pressed the enemy back upon P^unktown, where 
their main force lay, and a lively fight ensued. AVe held 
our position until near night, when were relieved by a 
division of infantry, which fought until after dark. The 
loss to our division was heavy. The Eighth Illinois had 
George Pierson killed, and George J. Dusold and William 
Allen Avounded. Thirty wounded men of our division were 
taken to Boonsboro, and placed in Odd Fellows Hall. We 
had been fighting almost continually since July 6th, besides 
doing picket duty at night, and the men were " almost used 
up;" but no rest came. 

July 11th the division marched to Bakersville, three miles 
above the old battle-ground of Antietam. We were now 
upon the extreme left, our line reaching to the Potomac. 

Sunday, the 12th, was one of the warmest daj's of the 
season, and as our dinner was spread upon the ground, there 
came up one of the hardest rain-storms I ever witnessed. 
In five minutes the water came down the hills, carrying away 
some tent-flies we had put up, and stood over a foot deep in 
camp. The artillery of Heaven had supplanted that of man. 
Little fighting was done, and only two prisoners brought in, 
though the pickets exchanged shots, and kept the camp 
alarmed. 

General Meade having arrived with the infantry, called 
a council of war, at which the propriety of attacking Lee's 
army at once was discussed. The Potomac was swollen by 
the late rains, and Lee's crossing was thereby rendered very 
difficult. Our Corps Commander, General Pleasanton, was 
in favor of an immediate attack, and it is said the council 
was divided, but General [Meade concluded to let the army 




ABNER HARD IVI. D 



3URGE0N OF THE 8ti: ILL CAVALRY 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 265 

have a short rest, as they had marched a long distance, and 
were very much exhausted. Accordingly we rested — if stand- 
ing picket night and day, and skirmishing and watching the 
movements of our adversaries, can be called resting — until 
Tuesday, the 14th, when the cavalry advanced to the attack. 
The enemy had hastily erected earth-works, but we found 
them abandoned. Lee's main army had crossed the river at 
Falling Water. The cavalry pressed forward, Kilpatrick's 
division on our right. We came upon the rear guard con- 
sisting of two brigades of the enemy about two miles from 
Falling Water, and at once attacked them. One brigade of 
the enemy was behind some earth-works, on a hill, in front of 
which was a wheat-field, where the grain had just been cut, 
and stood in shocks. The late rains had rendered the ground 
so soft that horses would sink to their knees. 

General J3uford's division went round to the left, to Hank 
their position, hoping that General Kilpatrick would menace 
them in front, and hoid them until he flanked them, but 
scarcely Avere we out of sight, and one-fourth of the distance 
desired, when one squadron of his brave Michigan boys were 
ordered to charge the enemy in the works. The brave men 
rode up to the muzzles of the rebel guns, and some actually 
went over their works, alas ! never to return. The enemy 
slew them by scores, and few returned to tell the tale. This 
prevented our taking them in the rear by surprise. 

However, wo were soon on their flank, and our men went 
in with their usual spirit. One man, who was severely 
wounded, was brought back and placed under a tree where 
General Buford was standing, and not seeing the General, 
as I examined his wounds, he remarked, " I am glad it is not 
the General who is wounded." This brought tears to Gen- 
eral JSuford's eyes, and he very frequently related the inci- 
dent. Such devotion of men to their commander has seldom 
been witnessed. 

The enemy fought desperately, but were soon either driven 
from the field or captured, We tqqk about four hundred 
34 



266 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 

prisoners, and Kilpatrick's division some six or seven hundred. 
Our loss was severe. Walter J, Kennicott and John W. 
Cole were mortally wounded, and John Cargy, Ira Sher- 
wood and Captain Wells, severely. The enemy were now 
across the Potomac. No further work could be done here, 
and with the large number of our own wounded, the rebel 
wounded and prisoners, we returned to Bakerstown, over 
roads made so muddy by the recent rains, that they can 
hardly be described. The wounded were kept here and at- 
tended until morning, when they were sent in charge of Dr, 
Curran to Boonsboro, 

July 15th we were ordered to march again, and the sick 
Were sent to Frederick City, under charge of Dr. Stull. 
The command marched to Berlin. 

On the 18tli of July we crossed the Potomac, encamping 
three miles beyond Lovetsville. We were now going over 
the same ground traveled after the battle of Antietam ; as 
Lee's army was marching up the Shenandoah Valley, making 
its way back toward Richmond. 

July 20th we reached llectortown and rested a few hours, 
when our teams came up and the hearts of the ragged sol- 
diers were gladdened by the distribution of clothing. The 
First Brigade started for Chester Gap via Salem and Bar- 
bee's Cross-road, and the reserve brigade to Manassas Gap ; 
hoping to reach these places before the enemy, and prevent 
their passing. The Second Brigade marched to the left, and 
we sent all the sick, Quartermaster's and Commissary stores 
with them. 

July 21st Lieutenant Wade, son of Senator Ben. Wade, 
while bringing a dispatch from General Pleasanton to General 
Buford, in passing through Salem, accompanied by a single 
orderly, was attacked by two guerrillas, that came out from 
behind some houses, and ordering a surrender, fired upon 
them. The orderly attempted to return and was captured. 
The Lieutenant put spurs to his horse, but seeing the guer- 
rilla in hot pursuit, he turned and gave him the contents of 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 267 

his pistol, killing him almost instantly, and then rode safely 
to our headquarters. 

We shortly after advanced to Salem and saw the dead 
body of the guerrilla. The rebel inhabitants thought it was 
"terrible for our soldiers to kill the son of a poor widow." 
Oh, what consistency ! 

The First Brigade, in command of Colonel Gamble, 
marched to Chester Gap and found the enemy's infantry 
already in possession, and after "marching up the hill," they 
were obliged to " march down again," not, however, with- 
out taking some prisoners and seventeen horses. 

July 22d the enemy pressed on our pickets that were 
annoying Longstreet's passing column, and in the afternoon 
sent two brigades with fixed bayonets to charge upon them. 
Quite a severe fight ensued, in which our brigade had one 
man killed, six wounded and several missing, and the rebels 
were punished quite as much. This engagement is said to 
have added new laurels to the Eighth Illinois and Third 
Indiana boys. The reserve brigade, at Manassas Gap, also 
fought the enemy and suffered considerably. 

July 23d we encamped about Barbee's Cross-Roads. 
Unfortunately " apple-jacK " was found too plentifully in 
Virginia cellars, on which account one man was captured by 
the enemy and his arms taken away from him, but he was so 
so drunk they could not march him off; so after getting 
sobered up he came to camp 

July 27th marched to Bappahannock Station — the Rap- 
pahannock river being the dividing line of the contending 
forces, as it Avas when we fought so fiercely on the 9th of 
June. 

July 28th we sent our sick and wounded, one hundred and 
thirteen in number, to Washington to be put in general 
hospital. The next day some of our absent officers and men 
returned to the regiment; among them Captains Ludlum, 
Waite and Southworth. The latter we feared was still too 
sick to endure camp life. 



268 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

August let, at three o'clock A. M., according to orders, 
tlie regiment were in line of battle. After hard marching 
and counter-marching, we crossed the river, formed in line 
and engaged the enemy. The rebels were forced back past 
15randy Station to near Culpepper, a distance of ten or 
twelve miles, fighting as they went. Their course lay across 
the plantation of John Minor Botts. They made a desper- 
ate resistance at the Kenedy House, about a mile to the left 
of Mr. Botts' residence, where they charged the Eighth New 
York and produced considerable confusion, but after a 
severe struggle Averc driven with heavy loss. They finally 
brought up a division of infantry and several pieces of 
artillery, and our forces gradually retreated to near the river. 
This was a well executed reconnoisance, and revealed what 
was wanted — the position and force of the enemy. The loss 
on our side was twenty killed, one hundred wounded and one 
hundred and forty-eight missing. We took a number of 
prisoners, and the loss of the enemy must have greatly ex- 
ceeded our own. 

Captain llotop's squadron did a fine thing in which they 
took one Lieutenant and mortally wounded another officer. 
It being dark before we reached the river, we telegraphed to 
have a train sent to convey our wounded to Washington. 

August 3d the enemy made a demonstration upon our line, 
and the division was hurriedly called out, but the rebels soon 
retreated and little fighting was done. 

August 4th, about noon, the enemy came upon us in force 
— with artillery and cavalry — and attempted to drive us 
back, but we were quickly in line and a brilliant engage- 
ment commenced, which lasted two hours. Major Chapman, 
of the Third Indiana, distinguished himself by taking a bat- 
tery right up to the skirmish line and silencing a rebel bat- 
tery, which was annoying our line to an alarming extent, 
i^. Pray, of Company Cr, fought for a while on his own 
account, bringing down two rebels and himself receiving a 
wound on the leg, but not being seriously injured. Pray 



• THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 269 

was one of the best shots in the regiment, especially when 
the mark was a rebel. The loss of the First Division was 
one killed and five wounded. 

At night the enemy again made an attack, but saw fit to 
retreat, as they found our men with their eyes open and 
ready for them. 

August 6th the Regular Jirigade received orders to go to 
Washington to recruit, leaving only two brigades to hold the 
line, daily menaced by the enemy. 

August 7th the Paymaster made the regiment a visit to 
the great joy of the soldiers. The man who would have re- 
ceived the next warmest welcome, would have been the 
sutler, who had not been allowed with the troops in our 
division for some time. 

August 8th, General Buford received ten days leave of 
absence to visit his home in Kentucky. Since the first day 
of August he had lost a daughter, a sister-in-law and a father- 
in-law. Upon Buford's taking his departure General 
Merritt assumed command of the Division. 

August 9th we withdrew across the river and encamped 
on the farm of an old secessionist by the name of Payn'e, 
from whom in the spring of 1862, we had captured a fine 
little cream colored horse. 

On the morning of the 15th, camp was struck and we 
marched by the way of Warrenton Junction, where we left 
our sick at Cavalry Corps Hospital, toward Dumfrees, as far 
as the junction of Cedar river and Elk Run. 

On the 16th we had an accession to our medical staff, by 
the arrival of Dr. E. L. Bliss, of Plainfield Illinois, for whom 
we had obtained a situation as Acting Assistant-Surgeon, 
United States Army, and who proved to be very valuable in 
caring for the sick and wounded soldiers. 

We remained here until August 31st doing picket duty, 
the weather, meanwhile, being very warm and sickness on 
the increase. We were lying by the side of what was called 
the "Jersey settlement," about forty families of loyal people 



270 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

who furnished but one solitary Confederate soldier. Private 
Farley was thrown from his horse, producing concussion 
of the brain, which, after a few days of suffering, proved 
fatal. 

August 31st the division again went forward, taking all 
who were able to vide in an ambulance along with the regi- 
ment, and arrived at Hartwood Church after dark. 

September 1st we marched to Falmouth, where we halted 
to be in supporting distance of General Kilpatrick, who had 
gone down to King George County to try and destroy some 
gunboats said to be there. Our boys were on picket but 
had no fighting. Lieutenant Truman, Culver of Company 
C, was the hero of an expedition down the river that cap- 
tured about half a dozen mules. One deserter from the 
enemy came to us, and we regret to record the fact that 
William Preston, of Company M, went over to the enemy. 
A division of rebel infantry occupied Friderick City. The 
best feeling seemed to exist between the pickets and no 
firing occurred. General Kilpatrick's raiding party found 
little to destroy, and lost two men killed — one of them a 
member of his staff. 

September 3d we marched back to Hartwood Church, 
and the next day to Weaverville where we remained until 
September 12th, Our Commissary succeeded in getting 
bread from Alexandria, which was a luxury — having eaten 
" hard-tack " a long time. 

On the 12th our division went to Rappahannock Station, 
expecting to cross the stream next morning, as the whole 
corps seemed to be concentrated. 

September 13th we crossed the river at the above named 
point, while Kilpatrick's division crossed at Kelly's Ford. 
The First Brigade encountered the enemy before reaching 
Brandy Station and drove them to Culpepper, where they 
made a junction with the Second Division. The scene en- 
acted here was but a repetition of former engagements — 
General Kilpatrick's men capturing three cannons. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 271 

After passing the town our brigade took the advance, and 
the enemy made a stand near Pony Mountain, with their 
artillery well posted, one shot from which killed seven horses 
of Company M. But our men steadily advanced, making 
them "limber up," and leave in haste. Some of them took 
refuge in a brick house, and fired from the windows, which 
annoyed our men greatly, One of our brass cannon was then 
trained upon the house, and the shots fired, which were so 
effective that the rebels left in haste. It was found that a citi- 
zen, after remonstrating with the rebels, had taken refuge in 
the cellar of this house, and both he and a little child were 
instantly killed, and the child's mother severely wounded. 

At this point Pony Mountain rises several hundred feet 
high, and much of it is thickly wooded. Here the enemy 
thought they had an impregnable position, and had on its 
top a signal station, from which they were able to note all 
our movements. This must be taken ; so up the mountain 
our line of dismounted cavalry advanced, each member of 
the Eighth Illinois seeming to vie with the other in reaching 
the summit. The enemy stoutly resisted but it was oi 
no use — our men were resolved to take the mountain, and 
they did take it, causing the " graybacks " to leave on 
double-quick. The capture of this mountain was of great 
importance, and merited the approbation and praise of both 
General Pleasanton and Buford. The rebels were driven 
five miles beyond Culpepper, and night ended the pursuit. 
Our loss was considerable. Philip C. Bettys, Company L, 
was killed, and buried by his comrades on the battle-field. 

On the 14th the march began early, and as the Second Bri- 
gade took the advance the Eighth Illinois hoped to have less 
work ; but by some means the second brigade took the wrong 
road, and we were again in the front. The enemy disputed 
every rod of ground, and when near Raccoon Ford an oflBcer 
rode up to General Buford saying that some rebel batteries 
were posted on the opposite side of the river having range 
of the road, and we had better move some other way. He 



272 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

had not finished .speaking, however, when a shell hit a tree, 
not a rod from him, and, glancing, struck the ground in our 
midst, the fuse burning and hissing. As if by instinct, the 
General and staff spurred their horses, and barely escaped 
as the next moment the shell exploded, the fragments pass- 
ing over our heads without doing any damage except killing 
an orderly's horse. The shell fell thick and fast on all sides 
for a few moments, and killed one man, wounded a few 
others, besides killing several horses. 

The Third Indiana, Eighth New York and Twelfth Illinois 
being dismounted, advanced as skirmishers, driving the enemy 
across the Rapidan river. Near the ford, on our side of the 
river, the bank rose to a considerable height, back of which 
was lower ground, thus forming a hill, behind which was 
comparative safety. But whenever a head rose above the 
hill it was a mark for sharpshooters, and one had to stoop 
considerably when standing behind the hill, to let the bullets 
pass overhead. As the skirmishers were hotly engaged, the 
surgeons were operating in this hollow ; not daring to stand 
erect. 

Two brothers belonging to the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry 
by the name of Kemper, tall, and firmly built — one a Ser- 
geant and the other a private — were on the picket line, when 
the Sergeant was shot in the lung, making a fatal wound. 
His brother, seeing him fall, sprang to his assistance, and 
was bringing him off the field in his arms when he, too, fell, 
a rebel bullet lodging in his chest. They were both brought 
back, carefully examined, their wounds being found to be 
mortal, and they were informed of their danger. Being 
placed in an ambulance Avith other wounded, and started for 
Culpepper, the train was directed to move slowly and stop 
often. Before reaching the hospital the Sergeant remarked 
that the Doctor said he could not live, and he felt he would 
survive but a short time. "Brother," said he, "before I 
die lets sing the Star Spangled Banner." He raised him- 
self upon his elbow, and the two brothers sang the whole 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 273 

song — from the first to the hast verse, in a beautiful and 
melodious tone. Having completed it the Sergeant sank 
down and expired. The brother lived to reached the Gen- 
eral Hospital and Washington, Avhere he died the glorious 
death of a soldier. 

The firing, both with artillery and small arms, continued 
until night, when we encamped near the ford. A Miss 
Stringfellow was shot in the ankle, bj a rebel bullet, while 
in the upper room of her house, and came under our sur- 
gical care. 

September 15th the line remained the same as the day 
before, but the Eighth Illinois were sent down the river to 
Morton's Ford, and below it. Two companies, ¥ and C, 
went on a scout to Germania Ford, crossed the river and 
drove the rebel pickets for some miles ; returning at dark. 

September 16th the enemy crossed above us in front of 
General Kilpatrick's division, but were forced to retire. They 
also dashed across the river at Kelly's Ford and captured 
some of the Fourth New York, killing and wounding a few 
men, but were soon driven back. The Fourth New York 
lost two killed, three wounded, and twenty-four captured. 
For this surprise their regimental colors were taken from 
them. 

Companies G and K went to Germania Ford, crossed the 
river and returned without any incident of note. 

September 18th the rain fell in torrents. A division of 
the Twelfth corps of infantry came to relieve us from picket 
duty, and a march was made to Stevensburg. While some 
of Company A were out after forage they met one of the 
Eighth New York men, running as if for life. He had gone 
into a barn for hay, when he came upon a rebel Sergeant by 
the name of Whetstone, from South Carolina, who grappled 
with him and attempted to shoot him with a pistol. But the 
Yankee was too much for the Sergeant and fired first wound- 
ing him severely. Seven other rebels then sprang from the 
mow, and our yankee beat a hasty retreat, Qur men now 
35 



274 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

pursued, but the rebels all made their escape except the 
wounded Sergeant, who was sent to the hospital at Culpepper. 

September 2l8t a reconnoisance in force, by the two cav- 
alry divisions, star.ted in the direction of Madison, intending 
to feel the enemy about Orange Court House, They marched 
to near Madison Court House, Kilpatrick's division in ad- 
vance, aud occupied the town, while our regiment encamped 
near Robertson river. 

September 22d the command moved early ; Kilpatrick's 
division on the right, and General Buford's on the road to 
Orange Court House. At a little village called Jack's Shop 
we suddenly came upon the enemy, the Third Indiana being 
in advance. The first intimation we had of the rebels mak- 
ing a stand was some shots from their artillery, and a charge 
upon our advance with an order to surrender. But the 
" Hoosiers" sent a volley from their pistols which made them 
stagger. The Eighth Illinois was soon dismounted, and 
went at them through a piece of woods from which the rebels 
were quickly driven. 

Our men were told to only hold the ground, hoping that 
Kilpatrick's men would be able to come in and cut off thei 
retreat, but this they failed to do, by getting on the wrong 
road. So the order was finally given, and at them our boys 
went, making quick work of the matter. I think they never 
did the thing up more handsomely, for the rebels ran in the 
utmost confusion. In their retreat the enemy fell in with a 
part of Kilpatrick's men, who had a lot of led horses, and 
captured the horses, beside killing and wounding some of the 
men. The loss of the rebels must have been from fifteen to 
twenty killed, about sixty wounded and forty prisoners. 
Our regiment had eleven wounded — Sergeant James A. Bell, 
of Company I, was mortally wounded and died in a fcAv 
days. "We took two rebels out of the road whose legs were 
so shattered as to require amputation, and carried them to a 
private house, performed the operation, and while there found 
some rebel sutler's goods which Provost Marshal Mix con- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 275 

fiscated. Among other things was about two thousand dollars 
worth of plug tobacco, which was distributed among the men. 

The rebels were driven across the Rapidan, at Barnet's 
Ford, and we then encamped for the night, having our own 
and a few rebel wounded with us. Among the latter was a 
Colonel of the Georgia Legion, a Lieutenant and a Surgeon. 

September 23d, with our large load of wounded men, we 
returned to Culpepper, where they were put in hospital, and 
the regiment returned to Stevensburg;. The roads were 
rough, and the wounded suffered greatly. We operated on 
Martin Fancher, performing resection of the shoulder, and 
gave the best of care to the poor rebels, but the Colonel and 
Lieutenant died. 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Army forced back upon Manapsas— Battle of Stevenslnirg— Fight at BreutsviUe— 
Resignation of Major Beveridge— Battle of Hazel River— Culpepper and the Line of 
the Rapidan—Battle of Mine Kun— Death, of General Buford— Resolutions of Res- 
pect—General Merrit's Order— Cold Weather — To Warrenton and Return — The 
Eighth Illinois Veteranize— Return Home— Recept'on in Chicago — Camp at St.Charles 
—The Ranks filled up— Return to Washington— Giesboro Point— Camp Relief The 
Detachments- The Situation— Early's Invasion— Battle of Monocacy— Baltimore and 
Cockeysville— Battle in Defense of Washington. 

September 25th the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps 
passed our camp, going toward Washington, en route for Ten- 
nessee, where, with Generals Hooker and Howard, they after- 
wards distinguished themselves. 

September 30th Major Schofield paid the regiment, after 
which there was a visible change in the usual programme of 
camp amusements. My readers must not understand by this 
that we were idle at Stevensburg. On the contrary, we 
were busily engaged in picketing the line of the Rapidan. 

On the night of October 7th, John Loser, of Company E, 
was on picket at the third post from the river, and George 
A. Whitaker at the first. During the night some rebel 
infantry crossed the river stealthily, and making their 
way around through the brush came up in the rear of Loser, 
and he, thinking they were our own men coming from that 
direction, suddenly found himself a prisoner. Hurrying 
him toward the river they came upon the outpost held by 
Whitaker. Thinking all was not right he halted them, when 
they immediately fired, two bullets taking effect in his right 
leg, besides killing his horse. Although severely wounded 
he fired four shots at them and then made his escape. Loser 



'the ETUHTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 277 

taking advantage of this fight, plunged into the grass and 
weeds, and the rebels, fearing for their own safety, beat a 
hasty retreat without him, but taking with them his valuable 
horse. 

We have now to record the memorable retreat of the army 
from the line of the Rapidan to Manassas, and its subsequent 
return. The part the Eighth Illinois took in this was very 

important. 

October 10th the First Brigade advanced and crossed the 
river at Germania Ford, while General Buford with the rest 
of the division crossed at Morton's and Raccoon Fords. Oar 
brigade was to make a junction with him on the other side, and 
all hoped that this would be a veritable move upon Richmond. 
The Eighth New York dashed across at Germania Ford, 
surprised and captured about fifty prisoners in the rifle-pits 
before they could get back to their horses. Pressing on, the 
horses were also taken. 

The Brigade then marched up the river to Morton's Ford, 
but failed to communicate with General Buford. During the 
night aids and orderlies were running hither and thither 
hunting for General Buford, with orders for him to fall back ; 
and about midnight our whole division train was ordered to 
re-cross the Rappahannock, and they immediately started. 
Word was received that the enemy had driven General Kil- 
patrick back, and that the infantry that had come to our 
support was also ordered back. This did not look much 
like going to Richmond, but more like retreating to Wash- 
ington. 

Early on the morning of the 11th, Captain Steel, of the 
Twelfth Illinois, charged upon a rebel breastwork, and took 
five prisoners ; having but one man hurt. About this time 
the rebel infantry attacked General Buford, whose com- 
mand had began to re-cross the river. It was a difficult ford, 
but the crossing was safely accomplished by putting artillery 
in position to cover the retreat, the Ninth New York and 
Twelfth Illinois making a gallant charge and holding the 
rebels at a respectful distance. 



278 THE EKJHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Scarcely had the fording been effected Avhen the rebel 
cavalry was discovered crossing above. The Eighth Illinois 
dismounted and went out to meet them, but the rebels advanced 
with great boldness in consequence of their superior numbers. 
They seemed determined to ride down our men, who held 
their fire until the head of the rebel column was almost upon 
them, when they opened a fire and the column seemed to 
melt away before them. 

The enemy was driven back and our men even pressed 
hard upon their artillery, but they opened with cannister at 
short range and we had to fall back. They then made a 
charge upon us in an open field, but the noble Illinoisans 
boldly stood their ground and emptied many a rebel saddle. 
Among others whom we killed was the Colonel of the Fourth 
Yirginia Cavalry — his men called to him to come back, but 
it was too late. The rebel infantry now came up in over- 
powering numbers, and we were forced to retire. One of 
our men, George Ringman of Company E, Avas killed here. 
Our men fell back slowly past Stevensburg, keeping the 
enemy at bay all the way to Rappahannock Station — a dis- 
tance of about twenty-two miles. J-Jefore reaching the latter 
place their ammunition gave out and the men were obliged 
to receive the fire of the rebel infantry without being able to 
reply. 

Night was spent in bringing in and providing for the 
wounded, among whom was Wirt Roberts, of Company A, who 
suffered amputation of the thigh. As the ambulances had 
been sent across the Rappahannock, some of the wounded 
were left on the field. John Scaberg, of Company D, was 
brought two miles by his comrades, in a blanket. Our loss 
was heavy, but our men by their dauntless courage had 
covered themselves with glory — though nearly out of amu- 
nition. The Third Indiana (whom we think are good judges,) 
said they never saw the Eighth Illinois fight better ; and our 
men bestowed equal praise upon their hoosier comrades. 
Correspondents made particular mention of Major Bever- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 27 P 

idge and Lieutenant Humphrey, who rode along the picket 
line, amid showers of lead, giving orders as cool and collected 
as though on parade. After the wounded were sent to 
Washington by rail, we again crossed the Rappahannock 
and advanced toward Culpepper, this time supported by a 
force of infantry, and going over the very ground we fought 
over the day before, without aid. 

On arriving at Brandy Station, two of Kilpatrick's men 
were found vfho had been wounded and left on the field, and 
also a largo number of the dead whom the rebels had 
stripped and left unburied, The Avounded were sent back 
and the dead properly interred. 

The enemy were now forced back to near Culpepper, 
when their infantry came up in heavy force, our cavalry 
retired to Brandy Station, arriving after dark and went into 
camp without rations or forage. About midnight orders 
came to move at once and re-cross the Rappahannock — Gcu 
Lee's army was Hanking that of Mead's and moving on 
Washington, and we were to bo rear-guard again. We now 
found that the infantry camps in our rear were vacated, and 
our advance had been made only to deceive the enemy and 
cover a retreat. Once more across the river and the splen- 
did railroad and wagon bridge was set on fire and consumed. 
While a scanty breakfast was being prepared, the last of the 
waiions left for the rear, and soon the enemy made their 
appearance on the opposite side of the river. 

At about one o'clock P. M,, on the 13th of October, our 
cavalry fell back to cover the retreat. A number of strag- 
gling infantry were found who needed assistance, and it was 
with the utmost difficulty that we were enabled^ to carry 
them along. That night we reached Warrenton Junction. 

October 14th we were told, early in the morning, that the 
little train of seven thousand wagons of General Mead's 
army, was intrusted to the especial care of General Buford's 
cavalry division for protection ; and to add to the interest 
of the information, it was said that General Stuart would 



280 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

probablj attack us upon the right. As soon as the " An 
aconda" could uncoil itself, which took half the day the regi- 
ment started ; and then came the trial of patience. Job's 
stock would have been exhausted at the outset. 

As we reached Brentsville the Second Army Corps was 
having a severe fight at Bristo Station, only four miles distant. 
Not knowing how the battle was going, we expected not only 
Stuart's cavalry, but the infantry also, would attack us. 
The Second Corps however was victorious, capturing five 
pieces of artillery and thousands of prisoners. As was pre- 
dicted, the enemy made an attempt to molest the wagon 
train, and just at night were seen advancing through the 
woods. Our boys at once undertook to dislodge them which 
was successfully accomplished. In this skirmish Sergeant 
Sewel Flag, of Company E, was shot in the head and 
instantly killed. His loss was deeply regretted by all who 
knew him. Since being wounded at Boonsboro he had a 
presentiment that he would not survive the war. He made a 
request that in case he should fall our first Chaplain, Mat- 
lack, would preach his funeral sermon from a text which he 
had carefully selected. His request Avas complied with and 
his funeral attended by a large concourse of friends at his 
home in Wheaton Illinois. Here the regiment remained for 
the night with orders to "stand to horse;" and notwith- 
standing the perilous situation, officers and men were having 
a lively time, as Captain Ludlam, Captain Hynes, Lieutenant 
Smith Lieutenant Humphrey, Commissary Chamberlain and 
Dr. Stull will recollect. 

Just before daylight the last wagon had left for Alexan- 
dria, to the great relief of those charged with the duty of 
their defence. The regiment followed, breakfasting on dry, 
hard bread, and were not disturbed until the train was cross- 
ing Bull Run, when Stuart made a furious but unsuccessful 
attack. Our men held him back until dark, when the whole 
train was across the river and went into camp near Fairfax 
Station. 



THE EiGIITlI ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 281 

During this retreat but one wagon was lost, excepting 
ttiose that gave out on the way. 

October 16th the rain gave the men a thorough drench- 
ing. The regiment was drawn up in line to witness the 
execution of a deserter from the First Division, Third Corps. 

At one o'clock on the morning of October 18th the regiment 
was called up and " stood to horse " until daylight. Then 
marched to Fairfax Court House, up the pike toward Aldie 
and returnedto within a short distance of Fairfax Court House 
without fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin arrived the 
same day and assumed command of the regiment. 

October 19th the army again advanced, and our division 
was put in charge of the wagons. They re-crossed Bull Run 
and rested for the night. During the day there had been 
fighting on our right. 

October 20th we marched via Hay Market through 
Thoroughfare Gap to New Baltimore and thence to War- 
renton. 

October 21st Captain Waite, haying been on a scout, 
reported that Stuart had crossed the Rappahannock, and 
after a march of several miles the regiment returned to 
Warrenton. The regimental wagons had not been able to 
keep up with us in this march, and an occasional yell of 
"hard-tack," kept those at headquarters pretty well in- 
formed that the men were hungry. 

While lying in camp an instance of rebel outrage came 
under our observation. A Lieutenant belonging to the Fed- 
eral army was wounded at Sulphur Springs and left on the 
field, when the rebels stripped him of all the valuables he 
had in his possession, including his hat, boots, coat and five 
hundred and fifty dollars in money, and left him to his fate. 
Some negroes finding him took care of him until our arrival. 

October 25th we again marched ; this time to Fayette- 
ville, which is a town of one house and two chimneys, the 
latter marking the place where two houses once stood. 
October 26th, the enemy having crossed the river above. 
36 



282 THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

were attacking General Gregg's division when our regiment 
was ordered to his support. In the engagement which 
followed, the Third Indiana suffered considerable but the 
Eighth Illinois lost none. That night camp was pitched 
near Bcalton, after a day of marching and counter-march- 
ing of usual magnitude. 

October 28th the regiment were sent on picket duty. 
Captain Buck, of Company E, and one man from each 
company, were detailed to go to Illinois on recruiting service. 

October 21}th the men obtained rations of beef by driving 
an ox out of a man's barnyard and killing it before his door. 
We were soon after relieved by the Third Indiana, and on 
returning to camp found our newly appointed Chaplain, 
Will A. Spencer, and Major Forsythe had just arrived. 

The enemy in forcing the army of the Potomac back on 
Washington, had destroyed the Orange & Alexandria Rail 
Uoad, which was being re-built as rapidly as possible, and 
the prospect began to grow brighter of being able to obtain 
better rations. Not too soon, however, for the condition of 
both men and horses plainly showed the need of better fare. 

Sunday, November 1st, Chaplain Spencer preached his 
first sermon to the regiment. 

November 4th Major Beveridge and Samuel Smith left 
the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. The Major's leave-taking was 
a touching scene. I venture to say that no officer in the 
army ever possessed the confidence and love of both officers 
and men to a greater extent than did Major Beveridge. He 
resigned his position to accept the Colonelcy of the Seven- 
teenth Illinois Cavalry. 

November 8th. Last night the "long ndl" was sounded 
in the infantry camps, and, as expected, early in the morn- 
ing the cavalry were moving towards Sulphur Springs, while 
the infantry marched to Happahannock Station, and had 
some fighting. 

November 9th wc crossed the Rappahannock, and passing 
through Jefferson, moved toward Culpepper. We crossed Hazel 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 283 

river and captured a prisoner. A short time after the Third 
Indiana, who were in advance came upon the enemy in force. 
The Third dismounted and began skirmishing with them, 
and the Eighth Illinois came up mounted, but were told to 
look out for the rebel infantry, who were in our front in 
large numbers. The regiment halted, when Colonel Chap- 
man, than in command of the brigade, rode up and ordered 
Captain Waite's squadron forward. The Captain under- 
took to explain the condition of affairs, when the Colonel, 
who is near-sighted, and could not see the enemy, repeated 
his order very peremptorily. Our men charged forward, but 
met a murderous fire from rebel infantry, not only in front, but 
ont he flank. The Captains oft he respective companies ordered 
their men to fall back, which they did as soon as possible, when 
they dismounted, formed in line and held their position bravely. 
The artillery was brought into position and the fight was 
continued until darkness put an end to the contest. The 
Third Indiana and the artillery lost a number killed and 
wounded. The loss of the Eighth Illinois was two killed, 
one of whom was Sergeant Sherman llorton, the other un- 
known. We also lost twelve wounded, as follows : Georo'e 
Archer, James Ewing, George Highland, L. A. Fitch, John 
W. Williams, Lester W. Fulsom, Corporal A. Plank, J. Pifer, 
Myron Hall, Sergeant Charles Eradley, Lieutenant John 
Sargeant and Lieutenant J. A. Stevens ; Orlan Ilewes was 
wounded and captured, and afterwards died at Andersonville, 
July 13th, 1864. 

November 9th we moved early in the morning and found 
that the enemy had escaped in the night. We buried the 
two men who were killed, and, with the wounded, marched to 
Brandy Station, and finding the Sixth Corps ready to start, 
went from there to Rappahannock Station. 

We learned that the day previous the Sixth Corps had 
succeeded in capturing about two thousand of the enemy, 
and had won a splendid victory. 

The cavalry again marched to Culpepper, and went to 



284 THE EIGHTH Illinois cavalry. 

picketing and scouting the surrounding country. In making 
this advance the enemy wore driven from the snug quarters 
they had erected on the plantation of John Minor IJotts. 
They must have been industrious as ants, for they had built 
long rows of log cabins in which they expected to spend the 
approaching winter, but our sudden and unexpected advance 
deprived them of that luxury. Captain Ilynes and his men 
captured two prisoners, who came to the line by mistake, and 
when challenged by Sailes, of Company K, replied : 

" Friends." 

"Friends to whom?" said Sailes. 

"Rebels," was the reply. 

He fired three shots and ordered them to come in, wliich 
they did, being terribly frightened. They said they were 
at the Hazel River fight, and that A. P. Hill's corps was 
also engaged ; that they never before saw such gallantry 
displayed by cavalry as the Eighth did in charging upon a 
corps of infantry. We remained in camp near Culpepper, 
doing picket duty, without anything of note transpiring until 
November 21st, when General Buford became so ill it was 
thought best to send him to Washington. 

November 24th Sergeant Cassidy, of Company G, was 
severely wounded in the arm, by the accidental discharge of 
his own carbine. He was one of our best soldiers, and was 
f^reatly missed by the regiment. In a skirmish with the 
enemy the Second Brigade experienced quite a loss, having 
Lieutenant Hoffman killed, two men wounded and twenty-two 
captured. 

November 25th orders came to remove all the sick and 
wounded to Washington or Alexandria, and the night was 
spent in performing that duty. 

November 2Gth the whole army was in motion, and our 
cavalry marched to Stevensburg, and were there put in charge 
of the immense wagon train again, and next morning marched 
to Ilichardsville. Firing was heard, meanwhile, across the 
river, and at four o'clock P. M., heavy volleys of musketry 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 285 

told of another battle, •which proved to be that of Mine Run. 
Our cavalry were all needed to guard the train and act as 
orderlies. We learned that at Brandy Station the guer- 
rillas had destroyed the wagon train belonging to the Sixth 
Corps, and an attack on our train was expected hourly. 

November 28th fighting at Mine Run continued. 

November 29th the fighting at the front did not appear to 
abate, nor did our troops seem to advance. 

November 30th the battle still progressing in the front, 
and eight companies of the Eighth Illinois on picket. Two 
men, belonging to Company I, were captured by guerrillas, 
and stripped off all their valuables. They were among our 
best men. 

A large number of General Gregg's cavalry, who were 
wounded in a hard battle, fought in *'the Wilderness," had 
been sent to this point for care and attention. 

December 1st. Meeting with greater opposition than was 
expected, and the frequent rains having rendered the travel- 
ing very difiicult. General Meade ordered the army to with- 
draw, and another the was commenced. The Eighth 
Illinois had four men captured and Isaac Coquilette mor- 
tally and Nichols Cossman severely wounded by guerrillas. 

December 2d we returned to Culpepper ; the army of the 
Potomac having failed in another attempt to go forward to 
liichmond. The duty of the regiment now consisted in 
picketing the front, and making ourselves as comfortable 
as circumstances would allow — being without tents. 

December 16th a dispatch was received announcing the 
death of General Buford. The Division Staff at once pro- 
ceeded to Washington to attend his funeral. The following 
resolutions of regret fully set forth the esteem in which he 
was held by his command. 

RESOLUTIONS OP REGRET. 

At a meeting of the officers composing the staff of the late 
Major General John Buford, it was resolved, 

First. That we, the staff ofiicers of the late Major Gen- 



286 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

eral John Buford, fully appreciating his merits as a gentle- 
man, soldier, commander, and patriot, conceive his death to 
be an irreparable loss to the cavalry arm of the service. 
That we have been deprived of a friend and leader whose sole 
ambition was our success, and whose chief pleasure was in 
administering to the welfare, safety and happiness of the 
officers and men of his command. 

Second. That we deeply sympathise with his bereaved 
family, and tender them our heartfelt appreciation of his 
merits, in this, their hour of affliction. That we look upon 
his character as a model of high integrity and modesty, 
united with the sympathies of a heart alive to every tender 
emotion, as well as indiflference to personal inconvenience 
and danger. That to his unwearied exertions in the many 
responsible positions which he has occupied, the service at 
large is indebted for much of its efficiency, and in his death 
the cavalry has lost a firm friend and most ardent advocate. 
That we are called to mourn the loss of one who was ever 
to us as the kindest and tenderest father, and that our 
fondest desire and wish will ever be to perpetuate his memory 
and emulate his greatness. 

Third. That the division staff of the First Cavalry Divis- 
ion, Army of Potomac, wear the badge of mourning for thirty 
days. That these resolutions be published in various papers, 
and a copy presented to Mrs. John Buford. 

Fourth. That these resolutions be submitted to the 
officers of the First Cavalry Division for approval. 

T. C. Bacon, Captain and A. A. G. ; M. W. Keogh, 
Captain and A. D. C. ; Craig W. Wadsworth, Captain and 
A. D. C. ; A. P. Morrow, Lieutenant and A. D. C. ; A. 
Hard, Surgeon-in-Chief ; II. Winsor, jr.. Captain and A. A. 
I. G.; M. F. Hale, Captain and C. S. ; J. II. Tallman, 
Captain and A. Q. M ; A. B. Jerome, Lieutenant and Signal 
Officer ; J. M. Kennedy, Captain and A. C. M. ; E. E. 
I^ana, Lieutenant and Ambulance Officer; J. K. Malone, 
Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer; G. M. Gilchrist, Lieuten- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 287 

ant and Provost Marshal. A. 13. Jerome, Recorder. 

Upon his return to the Division, General Merritt issued 
the following general order : 

Headquarters First Cavalry Division, 

Culpepper, Virginia, December 22d, I860. 
General Orders. 

Soldiers of the First Cavalry Division, we hav»6 lost our 
chief. Our gallant leader, our heroic General, our kind and 
sympathising friend has been taken from us by the afflicting 
hand of Divine Providence. We bow submissive to the dis- 
pensation, but we mourn, as mortals must, our irreparable 
loss. 

It is not for me to relate his virtues. Kot a soldier in this 

command need be told of his qualities. You know his 
gallantry and chivalric nature. Gettysburg attests his glory. 
Beverly Ford and the scenes around you here bear witness 
to his never-dying fame. You need not be reminded of 
his goodness of heart, his sympathetic nature, his high, 
sensitive, noble feeling ; they were all exhibited in the kind 
tenderness he has always shown for our sick and wounded 
comrades, and the solicitude for the safety of each man in 
his command. His master mind and incomparable genius as 
a cavalry chief, you all know by the dangers through which 
he has brought you, when enemies surrounded you and des- 
truction seemed inevitable. The dying words of your 
wounded comrade, "/ cnii glad it is'nt the General," bear 
testimony to your unutterable love. 

But now, alas ! "It is the General!" "He has fougbt 
his last fight !" No more forever will you see his proud 
form leading you on to victory. The profound anguish 
which we all feel forbids the use of empty words, which so 
feebly express his virtues. Let us silently mingle our tears 
with those of the nation in lamenting the untimely death 
of this pure and noble man, the devoted and patriotic lover 
of his country, the soldier without fear and without reproach. 

W. Merritt 
Brigadier General of Volunteers Commanding. 



288 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

December 22d. The subject of re-eulistin^^, as veterans, 
had been agitated for some time. An order had been issued 
to the effect that if two-thirds the regiment would re-enlist 
for three years, each veteran soldier should receive a bounty of 
three hundred dollars, a furlough of thirty days and free 
transportation to Illinois and return. That afternoon we 
called together as many as possible and discussed the matter 
from a pile of rails, as the men will doubtless recollect, and 
nearly enough to obtain the desired furlough, concluded to 
" veteranize." 

December 23d the camp was all excited about " going 
home," but the regiment had to go on picket which detained 
them a few days. 

December 25th. Christmas. All quiet and the infantry 
arriving. 

December 26th we moved camp some two or three miles, 
and had to go through with the work of re-building bunks, 
which was no small matter in winter. 

December 27th was very rainy. Orders were received 
for those who were to be granted furloughs to go to Stevens- 
burg, a distance of about ten miles, for pay ; but after going 
through the rain they returned, after dark, without the 
money ; and there was some tall cursing and swearing to say 
the least. 

December 28th Lieutenant Carr and Dr. Stull started for 
Illinois on veteran furloughs. 

December 29th Colonel Gamble, who had been absent on 
leave, arrived and took command of the brigade. 

December 30th two hundred and two men, belonging lo 
the Eighth Illinois, left camp for home on veteran furloughs 
of thirty five days. 

December 31st. The year closed cold and gloomy, leav- 
ing the men very uncomfortable, they having neither tents 
nor huts. 

January 1st, 1864. The mud was deep, the weather un- 
pleasant and growing colder every day; yet the First 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 289 

Brigade of cavalry was ordered to Warrenton on picket 
duty, to relieve General Gregg's men, who were sent to 
assist General Averill in the Shennandoah Valley. They 
remained at that point until the 6th, when they returned, 
and three-fourths of the regiment having certified their 
willingness to re-enlist as veterans, preperations were at 
once made to have them discharged and re-mustered, so as 
to receive their veteran furloughs, which occupied the time 
until the 11th, when the veterans left Culpepper, at ten 
o'clock P. M., for Washington, on their way to Illinois. 
Those who remained to serve out the balance of their three 
years, were put under command of an officer of the Third 
Indiana Cavalry and served with that regiment. Of their 
labors, losses and exploits we will speak hereafter. 

The night the regiment started for Illinois was severely 
cold, and when the train arrived at Brandy Station it was 
delayed an hour, so that Washington was not reached until 
the night of the 14th, when the men were loaded in box-cars 
and kept on the side track until near midnight, though the 
weather was so cold a good fire was a thing of necessity. 
The^ cause of the delay none knew. Finally the agent, a 
Mr. Koontz, was wakened and informed of our situation, 
and he then directed the train to be started. Baltimore 
was reached before morning, after which the journey to 
Illinois was more endurable. At Pittsburg the usua 
hospitality was extended to the soldiers. The ladies had a 
dinner prepared which did credit to their kind hearts and 
hands. Passing through Ohio in the night, at Columbiana 
our train came in collision with a freight train, smashing up 
the engine of the former and severely injuring the breaks- 
man. Our men received some bruises. At Alliance a Mr. 
Sourbeck, who kept an eating house, refused to open his 
doors or furnish a breakfast though he had been telegraphed 
some hours in advance to have a meal ready. Our men 
were indignant at such treatment, and had they not been 
the most orderly regiment in the service, would have shown this 
37 



290 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

man how Virginia mansions were cleaned out. They were 
received in a very different manner at Fort Wayne, where a 
sumptuous meal was provided on short notice. They reached 
Chicago at nine o'clock on the 18th of January. The regi- 
ment was received at Bryan Hall ; where a splendid dinner 
was prepared and speeches of welcome made by General 
Farnsworth, Miss Anna Dickenson and several others. 

After this the men received their furloughs of thirty days 
each, and recruiting to fill the ranks to the maximum at once 
began. Camp was again established at St. Charles, Illinois. 

The camp was not conducted upon the same plan that 
the original " Camp Kane" was, for experience had taught 
us to have fewer guards and less labor. The Seventeenth 
Illinois Cavalry now commanded by Colonel Beveridge, 
and largely officered from the Eighth Illinois, were encamped 
here, and barracks in which to quarter the Eighth were 
erected near those of the Seventeenth. A hospital was 
established in the capacious rooms over Dr. DeWolf's store, 
and the routine of hopsital and camp life resumed ; but re- 
cruiting and mustering in new men took the place of scout- 
ing, picketing and fighting. Some of us who were expecting 
a thirty days leave, found our labors increased rather than 
lessened, as the examination of recruits proved to be no 
small task. And besides, small-pox, measles and the usual 
diseases of camp made their appearance among us, and a few 
of the recruits died. 

The following order issued by General Gamble speaks 
for itself: 

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, ) 

St. Charles, Illinois, February 18th, 1864. / 
All leaves and furloughs to officers and men are hereby 
revoked, and all will join the regiment at St. Charles, Illi- 
nois, without delay. 

The regiment is ordered to active service in the field at 
once, where it has been continuously in the front during the 
last two and a half vears. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 291 

It is a high compliment to the regiment to be ordered 
back again inside of thirty days, while other cavalry regi- 
ments have been permitted to remain over two and a half 
months at home, evidently showing that the Eighth Illinois 
Cavalry is two and a half times more efficient than some 
other regiments. I will therefore expect that the regiment 
will assemble promptly and be ready to fight its way through 
as heretofore, without expecting or receiving any favor from 
any source. The fighting reputation of the old Eighth must 
be retained without any fictitious puffs so much depended on 
by others. William Gamble, 

Colonel Commanding Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

February 25th. The greater portion of the regiment 
started for Washington, leaving Major Waite in command 
of the camp ; as there were some sick in hospital, and a few 
recruits yet to arrive. I remained in charge of the sick. 

March 7th a second squad of one hundred and thirty men 
started to join the regiment ; and March 14th another 
detachment took their departure, leaving nothing behind but 
the sick and their attendants. 

April Gth the last squad, including convalescents, started 
in charge of Lieutenant Howard and Sergeant McKorth. 
The delay in getting these different squads to the regiment, 
was due, in a great measure, to the want of a general 
hospital to which we could transfer the sick. 

Those who left St. Charles on the 25th of February, went 
via Michigan Southern Railroad, thence by Cleveland & 
Pittsburg Railroad to Pittsburg. While passing through 
Ohio one of the men was injured by the cars, having one 
foot terribly crushed. At Pittsburg they were placed in box 
cars, which gave great dissatisfaction to the men, who 
thought those that were fighting to save their country, 
deserved as comfortable means of transportation as the travel- 
ing public, who were protected by the soldiers standing 
between them and rebel bullets. 



292 THE EiailTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

They arrived at Washington March 1st, and were received 
at the "Soldier's Rest," and assigned to barracks number 
four. But a large portion of the officers and men found 
board at the hotels in the city. The snow was several inches 
deep and thawing, but notwithstanding, on the 3d of March 
the regiment was sent to Geisboro Point, and encamped by 
the side of the government corral, where were kept from ten 
to fifteen thousand horses for mounting cavalry and for 
artillery purposes. 

The regiment remained in camp, drilling, receiving horses 
and equipments and attending to the ordinary routine of 
camp duties until the 21st of April, when one half the mem- 
bers removed to Camp Relief, situated on Seventh Street, in 
the suburbs of Washington City. 

April 30th the remainder of the regiment joined them, 
and were assigned to the duty of patroling the city, and 
such other labors as they were directed to perform by the 
General in command. Two companies had been on duty in 
the city some time. 

The camp now occupied was superior to anything we had 
heretofore enjoyed in soldier life ; except that the last occu- 
pants (Scott's Nine Hundred,) had left the barracks so filthy 
that our men would have preferred the open field to these 
dirty buildings. 

We will spend but little time in narrating what occurred 
during our stay in the city. During the day the men were 
on guard at the headquarters of General Auger, and at 
other points, and were occasionally sent out on scouts in 
various directions. At night they patroled the city and en- 
tered every suspicious place, to arrest every halpless soldier 
who should be found without a pass. This duty revealed 
the fact that in the great city of Washington — the capitol 
of the American Union — there was over one hundred houses 
of prostitution, where a greater or less number of soldiers, 
from all arms of the service, and all ranks — from generals 
down to privates — were found to congregate nightly, and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 293 

when found without passes they were arrested and sent to 
the Armory. But this work, although it amused the men 
for a time, and was arduous to perform, did not satisfy those 
who longed for more active service. 

May 7th Company D was ordered to Alexandria. May 
10th Companies C and F were sent to Acquia Creek. 

Colonel Gamble, now Brevet Brigadier-General, was put 
in command of camp Stoneman, situated on the bluff above 
Giesboro. This camp was the rendezvous of all the dis- 
mounted cavalry of the armies in this part of the country, 
where they were armed, equipped, mounted and forwarded to 
the front. 

On the 8th of May, when General Grant moved his armies 
upon the enemy across the Rapidan, the Eighth Illinois felt 
that they were out of their place, in not leading the van as 
they had done heretofore. We were lookers on while the 
bloody battles of the Wilderness were in progress ; but did 
not remain in that condition long. 

May 13th Major Forsythe received permission to go to 
the front and report to General Sheridan, and served on his 
staff during the remainder of the war. On the 15th Colonel 
Clendennin, with five companies, went to Belle Plain to keep 
open communication between the river and Grant's army, 
and protect the trains from the depredations of guerrillas. 
The thorough acquaintance of our men with this part of the 
country, made them doubly useful in this service. The regi- 
ment was now divided as follows : One company on duty at 
Alexandria, two at Acquia Creek, five at Belle Plain and 
four in Washington. 

June 2d that part of the regiment on duty down the Poto- 
mac returned, having performed very valuable service, and 
received the highest commendations from their superior 
officers. 

June 8th Company F was ordered to report for duty at 
Camp Stoneman. On the same day Dr. E. L. Nelson was 
mustered as Second Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. 



294 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

June 19th occurred the solemn and impressive service of 
the funeral of seventeen young ladies, who were killed by an 
explosion of fire-works at the United States Arsenal, Wash- 
ington, District Columbia, 

June 22d one squadron, Companies I and B, were ordered 
to Muddy Branch, some twenty miles up the Potomac, to 
assist some Massachusetts troops in guarding the fords, pro- 
tecting the canal, unloading canal-boats and fighting Mosby's 
and White's guerrillas, who had made their appearance in 
considerable force. 

June 23d Companies E and II were sent to join the first 
squadron at Muddy Branch, and on the night of the 24th 
crossed the Potomac at Conrad's Ford, some nine miles 
above Muddy Branch, and marched all night. They reached 
Leesburg at daylight, and succeeded in surrounding the 
place before the slumbering citizens were aware of their 
presence. A party of nine rebels, coming from Point of 
Rocks, were captured. They then returned to camp via 
Drainsville, bringing with them their prisoners and six valu- 
able horses. 

July 4th found the Eighth Illinois Cavalry as follows : 
Headquarters of the regiment were in barracks at Camp 
Relief on Seventh Street, Washington, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Clendennin in charge — Colonel Gamble being in command 
of Camp Stoneman : Company F at the latter place ; Com- 
pany J) at Alexandria, keeping an eye to the smugglers and 
bushwhackers as far down as the Occoquan, having already 
killed two, wounded three and captured five guerrillas, nine 
deserters, nine stands of small arms and thirty-five hundred 
dollars worth of goods, together with the noted smuggler, 
King, of Prince William County. Company L on duty in 
the city, as escort to military funerals ; Companies E and II 
at Muddy Branch, Maryland, Lieutenant Russell, of Com- 
pany 11, acting the important part of Provost Marshal, at 
Camp Stoneman, Captain Lincoln also on duty at this camp, 
and the writer in charge of the hospital and medical (de- 
partment at the last named place. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 295 

The regiment performed duty in the city and elsewhere 
when ordered, within the department of Washington. Heavy 
details were made daily, classified as follows : Videttes, 
escorts and patrol ; the first for preserving order throughout 
the city, the second acting as provost-guard and the third 
arresting stragglers, "speculators in government property," 
and all officers and enlisted men found in the city withou 
passes. 

At this time the armies of the Potomac and the James, 
under General Grant, were investing Petersburg and Rich- 
mond. The navy was laboring to obtain possession of the 
forts and cities on the Atlantic coast; and General Sherman 
was pressing his adversary far into the interior of the rebel- 
lion. The rebel General Early was in the Shenandoah Val- 
ley preparing to invade Maryland, and even entertained the 
design of capturing Baltimore and Washington. This was 
the condition of aifairs when, on the 4th of July, the rcgi 
ment, or so much of it as was in camp, was ordered to 
march to oppose as was supposed the incursions of Mosby, 
but as it proved to confront the rebel army under General 
Early, who had come down the valley of the Shenandoah 
and who was threatening Frederick City and Maryland. 
Companies E and H were already on the ground, and the 
remaining five companies, I, 13, C, M, and K, left the camp 
of the regiment at Washington under command of Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Clendennin and took up a hasty line of march 
to intercept Mosby, who was understood to be making for 
Point of Rocks, to cross the Potomac there. (The five other 
companies did good service, which I will mention anon.) 
Colonel Clendennin marched his men twenty miles that night, 
and encamped abont one o'clock, and at six o'clock 
the next morning the march was resumed, and about 
noon they reached Point of Rocks. Here Mosby opened 
upon them from the opposite side of the river with two pieces 
of artillery, his sharpshooters sustaining the guns. Colonel 
Clendennin dismounted his men and deploying them as 



296 THE EIGUTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

sharpshooting skirmishers, drove the rebels from the opposit 
bank. Mosby then withdrew and proceeded down the river, 
attempted to cross at Nolan's Ford ; but the troops of the 
Eighth were there in time to head him off, and he failed in 
his attempt. That night the detachment encamped opposite 
Nolan's Ford. 

On Wednesday, the 6th, Companies K and C, under Cap- 
tain Sullivan, reconnoitered up the river as far as Sandy 
Hook, and upon their return the entire detachment marched 
to Frederick City, sixteen miles from Point of Rocks. On 
the next morning (Thursday,) orders were received by Colo- 
nel Clendennin to make, with his regiment and a section of 
Alexander's Baltimore battery, a reconnoisance on the Mid- 
dletown pike, and feel the strength of the enemy and ascer- 
tain his position. Some of the Maryland Home Guards had 
been sent out by General Wallace on the same purpose, and 
had run back into the city at the first sight of a grayback. 
The Eighth, with its artillery support, went within a mile 
and a half of Middletown, which place was occupied by the 
rebels, who now appeared in force. This was Bradley John- 
son's Brigade. The detachment of the Eighth and the single 
section of artillery — not over two hundred and fifty men in 
all — fought this whole brigade several hours, gradually fall- 
ing back towards Frederick, and keeping the rebels at bay, 
until preparations could be made by General Wallace to 
receive them at that city. The gallant troopers of the 
Eighth never did better fighting than this. The heat was 
very oppressive. The rebels charged twice on our men, but 
were each time handsomely repulsed. As the Eighth neared 
Frederick they were joined by Colonel Gilpin with four or 
five hundred Maryland troops, and also about two hundred 
cavalry from Stahl's command ; and right here let me say 
that the entire force under General Wallace, with which he 
fought about five thousand cavalry of the rebels, was less 
than five hundred. Colonel Clendennin was placed in com- 
mand of all the mounted forces at the disposal of General 
Wallace. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 297 

Our forces having made a stand in front of Frederick at 
two o'clock, Johnson made a desperate fight to get possession 
of the city. This fight lasted till dark, during which 
Lieutenant C. S. Gilbert, of Company C, a brave and gal- 
lant officer, was mortally wounded. He was left in Freder- 
ick City when the city was evacuated and is supposed to have 
died. Five other men of the regiment were wounded during 
the day, four of them seriously and one killed. 

On Friday morning, the 8th, the enemy having disap- 
peared from our front. General Tyler, who had arrived from 
Monocacy and taken command, gave Colonel Clendennin 
orders to send his cavalry out and ascertain the position of 
the enemy. One company was advanced on the Harper's 
Ferry Pike, guarding that road during the day, while Major 
Waite, with companies B and C and one gun from Alexan- 
der's battery, moved out on the Middletown pike, encount- 
ered the enemy's skirmishers and drove them back to the 
mountain pass. About half way up the mountain, on the 
pike, there was a hotel kept by a secessionist which was 
known as Hager's Tavern, and which appeared to be the 
rebel headquarters. Major W., by a careful use of his 
strength and a judicious disposal of his men, succeeded in 
bringing his gun up nearly to his skirmish line, and got in 
position unobserved by the enemy, when he suddenly opened 
upon the rebel nest, A general stampede from that point 
was the result. The Major held his position during 
the day, skirmishing with the enemy and keeping him in 
check. 

Colonel Clendennin had sent Captain Morris, of Company 
M, out on another road to the right of Major Waite, and 
during the forenoon the rebels massed a battalion of cavalry 
in the timber and suddenly charged upon Captain Morris. 
The Captain and his company fought gallantly and with des- 
peration, but were forced back by superior numbers, and 
Captain Morris was killed, having received a shot in his 
hip, from which he died in about an hour and a half. He 
38 



298 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 

remained conscious to the last, and died without a murmur, 
as he had fought without fear. 

An incident which occui'red while the rebels Avere charging 
upon Captain Morris is worthy of mention, as showing, not 
only the pluck but the sagacity with which the Eighth Illi- 
nois boys fight. The right of Major Waite's skirmish, or 
rather picket line, extended to near the road where Captain 
Morris was stationed with his company. As the rebels were 
making their first charge down the road upon Captain M., 
Sergeant Hakes, of Company B, who had charge of the 
skirmishers of the extreme right of Major W.'s line, got 
together some six or eight of his men, and moving rapidly 
up near the road down which the rebels were charging, se- 
creted his squad in the timber, and when the rebels came 
rushing on, poured a volley into the column. Taken by 
surprise, and thinking they had a force on their flank the 
rebels suddenly brought their charge to a halt, which, though 
they afterwards renewed the charge, gained some valuable 
time to Company M; and this gallant and timely act of Ser- 
geant Hakes and his handful of men probably prevented the 
loss of a number of prisoners. 

During the night of the 8th our troops evacuated Freder- 
ick City, and the cavalry under Colonel Clendennin formed 
the rear guard, the men of the Eighth Illinois being last to 
leave the city, which they did about one o'clock. The cav- 
alry reached the Monocacy about daylight, and had only time 
to make coffee, when, without sleep, they were obliged to 
enter upon the duties of the day, and play their part in the 
battle of the Monocacy. 

A portion of the Eighth — Companies I and li — opened 
the battle in the morning by skirmishing Avith the enemy's 
advance, but upon being relieved by infantry, the five com- 
panies of the Eighth were placed upon the left of the enemy's 
line to watch the approaches in that quarter and guard the 
fords and bridges of the Monocacy. 

Company C, under Lieutenant Sargeant, was sent down 



THE EIGHTH iLLINOtS CAVaLHY. 290 

the river early in the morning to burn a bridge and watch 
some fords, and later in the forenoon Major Waite, with 
Companies I, M and K, was ordered to proceed still further 
down theMonocacy to support Company C and burn another 
bridge. Company B was left guarding a ford between the 
left of our infantry line and the lower fords, whither Major 
Waite was marching. When the latter had got a mile on 
his way the rebels in large force forced the ford, which Com- 
pany B was guarding, and drove the company back; but 
this gallant company, under Lieutenant Corbit, made a 
stubborn fight, and yielded slowly, making the rebels pay 
dearly for every retrograde step they were obliged to take. 
The rebel regiment, however, dismounted and succeeded in 
driving Lieutenant Corbit still further back and gaining the 
road down which Major Waite had gone, thus cuttino- him 
off, and also Colonel Clendennin, who was endeavorino- to 
reach him. The Colonel, however, managed to get word to 
Major Waite by an orderly, (an Eighth Illinois Cavalryman 
can pick his way most anywhere,) to get one company throuf^h 
to the relief of Company C down the Monocacy if possible 
and himself with his other two companies to get back to our 
lines as he best could, notifying him that he was cut off. 
Major Waite sent Captain Wells with Company I as ordered. 
The Captain reached Company C safely, and after the 
bridges Avere burned, with his own and that company, unable 
to join the army under General Wallace, fell back and took 
the road to Washington, which he reached in safety al thou o-h 
closely pressed by the enemy. 

Meanwhile Major Waite with his tvro companies, makino-a 
feint of charging the rebel brigade obstructing the road the 
dust deceived the rebels as to his force, and they fell back 
giving him time to make a detour across the fields and through 
the woods, and outflank them, thus regaining our line. Col- 
onel Clendennin, who came near being captured, also es- 
caped, and thus the rebels were cheated of their prey of 
which they thought they were sure ; for not a man of the 
Eicfnth Illinois fell into their hands. 



300 THE EIGIITH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 

When General Wallace Avas obliged to fall back. Colonel 
Clendennin, with three companies of his regiment, fell back 
through Urbana closely pursued by the Seventeenth Virginia 
Cavalry, one thousand strong. This regiment seemed deter- 
mined to capture the Illinois boys. They made a desperate 
charge, coming on with a yell ; but they were received as 
the Eighth generally receive their rebel visitors, and fell back 
with the loss of their battle-flag and the capture of their 
standard-bearer. During the charge Lieutenant Kinley, a 
brave and gallant officer of Company K, received a severe 
wound, a rebel bullet lodging near his heart. The rebel 
Major then tried to rally his men for another charge. He 
rode boldly forward of his regiment and fired bis pistol into 
our ranks, at the same time addressing his men in loud tones. 
The rear guard of the Eighth, under Lieutenant Trask, of 
Company K, stood their ground manfully. Sergeant Hakes, 
of Company B and Corporal Mighell, of Company K, were 
in the front of our line exchanging shots with the rebel 
Major and one of his men, when Mighell gave the reins of 
his horse to Hakes and dismountiog leveled his carbine at 
the Major and killed him at the first fire, and at the second 
brought down his companion. For this gallant act a Union 
lady of Urbana addressed a letter to the Corporals wife, in 
Illinois, complimenting him in the highest terms. The enemy 
became disheartened and gave up the pursuit. 

The manner in which the skirmishing during this retreat was 
done was admirable. The detachment was divided into small 
squads, each officer taking a few men in charge in order to 
make the most of the small force. Captain Sullivan kept 
the saddle all day, though quite ill ; Lieutenant Fowler, of 
Company M, and Lieutenant Gregory, of Company I, were 
especially active and alert during the skirmishing, besides 
the other officers named. ^Jiut every private seemed to fight 
as though he had all the pride and responsibility of a com- 
missioned officer. The enlisted men of the old Eighth are 
every one a hero — God bless them ! 



THE EmilTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 801 

Adjutant Humphrey, brother of Colonel T. W. Humphrey, 
of the Ninety-fiifth Illinois, during his retreat had a very 
thrilling adventure. Having been captured by a rebel officer, 
who "run him down" in a corn field, Humphrey was on 
one side of a fence and the rebel on the other, and the rebel 
caught him when his horse stumbled at a gap in the fence 
between them, the rebel had yelled several times, " surren- 
der you son of a b h ! and each time the Adjutant 

turned and fired a shot, as he said, for his mother. After 
exhausting his charges he threw his pistol at the rebel. As 
the rebel did not fire, he judged he was short or out of am- 
munition ; so while Mr. lieb. was holding the reins of 
Humphrey's horse, he slipped off" from him and into a corn- 
field near by and escaped. After traveling two days without 
food, dodging about in the bushes, he finally reached our 
lines. Lieutenant Humphrey also had a horse shot from 
under him at Frederick City. 

Late on Saturday night. Colonel Clendennin with his com- 
mond, joined General Wallace's forces at Newmarket, and 
from that time until the arrival of General Wallace at Bal- 
timore, on Monday noon, the Eighth Illinois formed the rear 
guard of the column by day and picket in front of the troops 
by night. To say that the men and horses were exhausted 
when they reached Baltimore, after their week's campaign, 
would be superfluous. 

From Baltimore the regiment was sent to Cockeysville to 
protect the railroad from the depredations of the rebels who 
had sent their scouting parties in all directions and had done 
no little damage to the railroad bridges, While here Dan- 
iel O'Conner, familiarly known as "Coon Creek," of Com- 
pany B, was killed by Corporal Roe. " Coon Creek," being 
intoxicated, challenged Roe to run horses and upon his refusal 
" Coon Creek " drew his revolver to fire, whereupon Roe 
drew his revolver, also, and both fired at the same time. Coon 
was instantly killed and Roe received a shot in the right 
hand. No blame was attached to Roe as "Coon Creek" 



302 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

was a dangerous character when drunk, and had on several 
occasions fired at his comrades. 

While at this place a detachment under Major Waitewent 
into the country and re-captured INCajor-General Franklin 
who had been taken prisoner by the enemy. 

As the enemy advanced upon Washington there was great 
excitement within the city and all the preparation was made 
to receive them that Avas possible under the circumstances, 
as but few troops were there for its defense. The dismount- 
ed men at Camp Stoneman were armed mid held in readiness 
to fight as infantry, and that part of the Eighth Illinois which 
remained in the District was on duty constantly. On the 
11th of July the Sixth Army Corps began to arrive, coming 
up the Potomac river in boats; and on the 12tli the Nine- 
teenth Corps followed. The latter corps having just arrived 
at Fortress Monroe from Louisiana, was ordered to Washing- 
ton before being disembarked. These re-inforcements came 
just in time, for (ieneral Early made his appearance before 
Washington on the 12th. 

The four companies of the Eighth Illinois in the city, 
with the two that had been cut off" at the Monocacy made a 
vigorous stand before the defences of Washington, holding 
the enemy in check for several hours till the Sixth Corps 
could march to their relief. Our men fought as was expected 
of the Eighth Illinois men, stubbornly. The killed and 
wounded in these battles were as follows : 

Killed, Captain I. V. Morris, Company M, July 1st; 
Lieutenant Charles S. Gilbert, mortally wounded — left in 
the hands of the enemy, July 7th ; Thomas Baker, Company 
K, July 8th ; Charles Greenville, Company Iv, July 7th, 
and George McGregor, Company B, July t)th. 

Wounded, Lieutenant J. A. Kinley, Company K, July 9th; 
Sergeant J. Remington, Company B, July 7th ; Sergeant 
Alfred Van Fleat, Company K, July 7th ; Corporal Loran 
Carver, Company I, July 7th ; Corporal K. Humphrey, 
Company ], July 7th; William Percival, Company B, July 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 303 

7th; Thomas Wilson, Company I, July 7th; M. M. Am- 
burgh, Company B, July 7th, Wilhelm Steinkey, Company 
M, July 8th ; William Tafflemire, Company M, July 8th, 
and O'Brien, Company M, July 8th, 

Wounded in the defenses of Washington, were Sergeant G. 
S. McNorth, Company E, severely; Sergeant Benjamin F. 
Lee, severely; Clarence Williams, Company L, severely; 
William Allen, Company C, slightly ; Frederick Bartling, 
Company L, severely ; Erasmus W. Seaman, Company H, 
slightly, and William J. Johnson, Company C, slightly; 
Gideon V. Bachelle dispensing clerk in the regimental hos- 
pital, having had no opportunity to be engaged in battle, 
shouldered a carbine and went into the rifle pits in front of 
Fort Stevens, but soon returned having been shot in the 
arm. 



CHAPTER XII. 

General Early's Eetre:it— Pursuit into Virginia— Capture of Sergaut Chase— Return to 
Washington— Mosby attacks Company E, and captures twelve men— Scouting in 
Virginia— Mustering out three years men— Their Iliistory — Reconnoi^cance in force 
—Fight at Upperville— First Separate Rrigade— Fairfax Court House— More Scout- 
ing — Surrender of Richmond — Assassinaiion of Presiident Lincoln — Bull Run Mon- 
uments—The Regiment ordered to;Missouri— Sinking of the Steamer Olive — Order 
for.Mustering out — Organization of the Eighth Illinois Veteran Association — Tho 
Constitution— Reception in Chicago— Regimental Roster. 

On the 13th the enemy retreated from before Washington, 
and our cavalry followed in close pursuit. At Poolville they 
were overtaken and a lively skirmish ensued, in Avhich we 
captured a number of prisoners. The enemy having crossed 
the Potomac, our cavalry picketed along the river until the 
16th, when the Sixth Corps crossed the river following up 
the retreating rebels. The regiment having returned from 
Baltimore and concentrated most of its scattered detach- 
ments, crossed the river and reported to Colonel Lovel, who 
was in command at Lecsburg, and was used to guard tho 
left flank of the army and the wagon train which moved to 
Snicker's Gap, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

On the 20th the Eighth Illinois passed through the gap, 
crossed the Shennandoah and reached the front at Berrys- 
ville. They remained in the vicinity of Berrysville and 
White Post till after dark, and then moved back to the gap, 
being the rear guard and, as usual, having the honor of hold- 
ing the post of danger. As forage had to be obtained in 
the country, several parties were sent out for that purpose. 
One party consisting of Sergeant Aaron W. Chase, of Com- 
pany I, Oliver S. Dake, of Company B, and eight others, not 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 305 

underchargeof any particular commander, had not gone a mile 
from camp, Sergeant Chase in front, when they discovered 
a party advancing by fours from the direction of the camp. 
All had on blue pants and red shirts, their coats being 
buckled to their saddles. Among them were some recognized 
as "our men," and they were supposed to belong to Com- 
pany C of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, as that Company was 
known to be out foraging. In a moment they were upon 
our men, and when asked by Chase who they were, answered 
by presenting a pistol to his head and ordering a surrender, 
saying they were Mosby's men, but he should be treated 
like a gentleman. As the enemy were greatly superior in 
numbers our men made a virtue of necessity and delivered 
up their arms, and were marched off as rapidly as they could 
be made to go for fear of being discovered by the federal 
forces. Chase at once determined never to be taken to 
liichmond and incarcerated in a rebel prison, and with 
anxious eyes watched for some cross-road or path which 
would lead in the direction of camp. One rebel demanded 
his watch, but he refused to deliver it up, another demanded 
and finally obtained his hat band. Feeling secure of their 
prisoners the rebels did not keep as vigilant a watch upon 
them as was necessary, and seeing an opening in the fence 
and knowing the fleetness of his horse, Chase struck spurs 
to his sides and dashed off. The officer in charge having the 
best horse in the squad, started in pursuit, firing his pistol 
as he went. For a short time the race was close and ex- 
citing, but the rebel horse soon gained upon the Sergeant ; 
•one shot had already taken effect in Chase's left shoulder 
and another struck him in the right side which took his 
breath away, and being unable to continue the race longer 
he again found himself in the hands of his captors. Too 
weak from pain and loss of blood to ride unaided, he was 
supported on his horse by the rebels, who hurried him along 
for several miles till he nearly fainted, when arriving at a 
county poor-house they placed him on the porch and went 



306 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

on with the other prisoners. A citizen vrent to the federal 
camp for a surgeon who carae and dressed his wounds. Ho 
lay there some fourteen days occasionally attended by a 
physician from Union and frequently annoyed by Mosby's 
guerrillas, who threatened to take him to Richmond as soon 
as he was able to walk. As he grew stronger, the determin- 
ation not to go to a rebel prison retuj'ned and he embraced 
the first opportunity to escape ; in this he was aided by the 
keeper of the house and a colored man wh.6 acted as guide. 
Starting out in the night he Avent some three miles to a house 
where he hoped to put up in safety, but was unable to wake 
the inmates, as the dogs would not allow him to approach 
the door ; upon going to a negro hut he was informed that 
four confederate soldiers were in the house he had tried to 
enter, and that the dogs in preventing his going in had proved 
his best friends. Here another negro, acting as guide, con- 
ducted him to the house of a quaker, where he was kept 
until morning, when his wounds were dressed and a consul- 
tation held, which resulted in his stopping there secreted two 
days — at the end of which time the quaker and his wife 
dressed him in a disguise and took him some fourteen miles 
to the Potomac river. On the road they passed seven of 
Mosby's men but the disguise was so complete that they did not 
mistrust anything wrong. After crossing the river Chase 
was taken into the hospital at Sandy Hook and from there 
sent to Parol Camp, Annapolis, Maryland. The other cap- 
tured men were taken to Richmond and placed in prison. 
The history and account of the sufferings of each would only 
be a repetition of the misery and distress experienced by 
our soldiers in southern prisons. 

July 21st the regiment marched on the right of the army, 
and at night had nearly re-crossed the Loudon Valley, a dis- 
tance of sixty miles. 

July 22d another hard day's march was made across fields, 
through woods and over the Katoctin mountains, and at 
night camped at Difficult Run, a stream well named. Com- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 807 

pany G, having lost the command in the dark marched nearly 
all night. After a hard march on the 23d of July, the regi- 
ment, tired and dirty, reached its old quarters at Camp Re 
lief, Washington, having accomplished feats and labors, since 
the 4th of July, which our friends at home could consider 
almost impossible to be performed. 

The Potomac was again picketed by the Eighth Illinois 
up to the Monocacy, Company E being at the mouth of the 
Monocacy. On the 30th of July Mosby crossed the Poto- 
mac with a large force of cavalry, and made a descent upon 
the picket post of Company E and succeeded in capturing 
twelve men, yiz : Herman Jefferson, Frank Crosby, Gilbert 
Mott, John Stoner, John Murry, Mike Boss, Henry Patten, 
William Hudson, George Sager, James Ward, Asahel Rob- 
ertson, Henry Dusenburg. Jefferson, Patten and Hudson 
died in prison. The affair is described by Captain Delany 
in the following private letter which I take the liberty to 
copy: 

"In reference to the fight at Monocacy, in the absence of 
other officers of the squadron, (H and E,) the duty of com- 
manding the picket line along the Potomac, from a point 
two miles below White's Ford to a point about the same 
distance above the Monocacy bridge, distance eight miles, 
fell upon me. Company H was stationed at White's Ford. 
Company E, in command of a Sergeant, was stationed on a 
bluff near the bridge over the Monocacy. As I visited E's 
post I discovered mounted troops crossing the ford two miles 
above Monocacy bridge. At first I felt quite easy, suppos- 
ing if they were the enemy the guard at that ford would give 
the alarm, (said guard being a squad of infantry sent to 
communicate with our line from Point of Rocks.) I very 
soon made up my mind that something was wrong and accord- 
ingly galloped up to the point of crossing with six men of 
Company E, reaching the ford just as the rear of the column 
was ascending the steep bank from the river to the tow path 
of the canal, which runs parallel with the Potomac. On 



308 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

account of an abrupt turn in the road we could not see them 
until we were Avithin a few yards of them ; and as we 
galloped up so rapidlv and as it seemed to them so boldly, 
and from the nature of the ground not being able to ascer- 
tain our full force, the rear of the column scampered on to 
close up, yelling 'close up,' 'move on faster in front,' 'get 
to the bridge and form in the field,' as you know troops will 
when placed in a position where formation for battle is im- 
possible, and being pursued as they supposed by a strong 
force. In this chase Ave captured six men — just one for 
each — and brought them Avithin the lines safely, thence to 
headquarters. From these Ave learned that the rebels were 
of the Mosby persuasion. The main force moved in the 
direction of Point of Rocks and crossed the canal about two 
or three miles this side on a bridge, the one spoken 
of above, and seemed to take a northerly direction, soon 
shaping their course, hoAvever, to bear toward the 
Monocacy. I then divined fully their plan, as I 
afterAvards learned, Avhich Avas to cross the Monocacy at 
a point about six miles up the river, and make a dash on 
Company E's post with a view to capturing it. I accord- 
ingly ordered pickets posted as I deemed necessary for the 
security of the post, and instructed the Sergeant in charge 
to hold his command ready to 'fly' if necessary at any 
moment. I also instructed him to leave a good reliable non- 
commissioned oiTicer in charge of the post, and take a squad 
of men and post them at available points along the bank of 
the Monocacy at such places as fording was possible ; also, 
to move along the bank of the river himself Avith a few men 
and folloAV the stream up as far on this side as the main body 
of the rebels on the other side, as the rebels kept in sight 
most of the time, to prevent the possibility of a surprise ; but 
the Sergeant took his squad and moved up the Potomac in 
the very track of the enemy, Avithout posting his men as 
directed or preparing his men for the danger which threat- 
ened them; the company on picket meanwhile being all 



THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 309 

unconscious of what was passing. In the meantime my 
duty called me back to the post occupied by Company II 
and in charge of Lieutenant Brooks, informing the pickets 
on my way of what had taken place above. I may here 
state that I found a simultaneous crossing might be attempted 
at Lieutenant Brooks' station, but upon reaching White's 
Ford learned that all was quiet. A report of what had 
taken place was then forwarded to headquarters at Pool- 
ville, detailing my views of the intctitions of the enemy and 
giving my dispositions of the troops under my command. I 
then received instructions not to fall back if the enemy 
did cross, as Major Thompson of the Second Massachusetts 
had orders to go and fight them with a command of six 
hundred men. Upon receiving such instructions I rode back 
from White's Ford to Monocacy, leaving instructions with 
Lieutenant Brooks in case he was attacked. Before reaching 
the bluff near the bridge I discovered a force riding down on our 
side of the Monocacy towards the Potomac. I knew I had 
directed pickets to be stationed along this point and no 
alarm having been given, I concluded it must be the Ser- 
geant on his patroling tour ; but as they approached I dis- 
covered too much 'gray,' and immediately put spurs to my 
horse in the direction of 'E' post, feeling confident that at 
least everything must be in readiness there for a 'smart run' 
or a lively fight. On approaching the camp I found on my 
left a line of skirmishers bearing towards the post, and 
according to our relative distance from the post, their 
chances for reaching it in advance of me were good. I 
pushed through as I feared the worst in view of the want of 
opposition shown by the men on the post. I was soon dis- 
covered by the rebels, but not before I reached the inside 
track and they then gave me chase. I reached the post, 
however, about five minutes in advance of them, and to my 
utter astonishment found no Sergeant in command ; many of 
the horses unsaddled, some of the men cooking, some 
reading, and others asleep, and but one picket out. In 



310 THE EiailTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

an instant they were upon us, and while I was rallying the 
men as best I could under the circumstances, I discovered 
Major Thompson of the Second Massachusetts, distant not 
more than one-fourth of a mile, and I supposed of course he 
would reach us in a few moments — so wc Ibught with every 
confidence, keeping the enemy at bay long enough to make 
twice the distance Thompson had to make ; but as soon as 
he heard the firing, instead of rushing to our relief he paraded 
hia men, and I've no doubt 'received' them as is sometimes 
customary with great Generals preparatory to fighting. 
His troops were soon in battle array but not a step nearer 
us. While he (Thompson) was thus engaged, the enemy had 
so completely overwhelmed us, in a numerical point of view, 
we were compelled to succumb. In this fight we lost one 
man, Joseph Neff, killed and Sergeant Frank Schuster 
and myself wounded. I was wounded in the left leg and 
captured by a drunken rebel, from whom I escaped after 
being in custody long enough to surrender my revolver. 
The enemy then began crossing the Potomac to reach the 
Virginia shore ; and as soon as the firing ceased and 
most of the enemy had effected a crossing, Major 
Thompson, holding a six-shooter in one hand a sabre 
in the other and the reins in his teeth, advanced gal- 
lantly, 'six hundred strong,' and upon reaching the bank 
of the Potomac, opened a vigorous fire upon the enemy 
most of whom had reached the opposite bank. My re- 
port to General Augur embraced nearly all of the above. 
Major Thompson was requested to resign. Colonel Taylor, 
A. A. G., had a peculiar faculty of rendering such in a 
polite and dignified way. The evening of the engagement 
I was left on the field and was picked up about nine o'clock 
P. M., by a colored man who carried me a distance of nearly 
two miles to the house of a gentleman, (I am sorry to say 
I do not recollect his name,) who with the aid of his good 
wife rendered me every assistance in dressing my wounds 
and administering to my comfort. ISText morning I was found 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 311 

bv Lioutenant Brooks who was ia search of me, and con- 
veyed me to Washington." 

It is probable the Sergeant in charge of Company E mis- 
understood the order of Captain Delancy, which if obeyed 
to the letter, would no doubt have prevented a surprise, as 
Company E was one of the best companies in the noble regi- 
ment. The post thus surprised consisted of eighteen men, eight 
of whom made their escape by jumping down a precipice some 
twenty-five feet. They were Morgan Hughes, George Ileim, 
William Chadwick, Wm, Theman, Charles Culver, William 

, Benjamin Howard and Frank Schuster. The latter 

though wounded escaped with the others. In this little fight 
the enemy suffered severely ; their actual loss, however, we 
were unable to learn. 

On the 5th of August the reserve brigade of cavalry and 
several other regiments having; come from the front near 
Petersburg, started from Washington for the upper Potomac to 
join the command of General Sheridan who was to look after 
the rebel General Early and his marauding soldiers. The 
Eighth Illinois remained at Muddy Branch and along the 
river scouting and guarding the fords. 

August 10th J. Fletcher accidentally shot his comrade 
Cyrus Brunson, the ball passing through his body. He 
died almost instantly. Brunson had won the esteem and 
affections of his comrades by his genial manner, kind heart, 
ready wit and soldierly bearing. The regiment remained 
on duty along the river till August 22d, when a reconnois- 
ance into Virginia under Major Waite was ordered. They 
crossed the Potomac at Young's Island and marched via 
Leesburg, Gun Springs, Aldie, Purcelville, Hamilton, Water- 
ford and Taylorsville to Point of Rocks, where they re-crossed 
the river and then marched via Licksville and Poolville to 
Muddy Branch, which they reached on the 23d, bringing 
with them sixty-two prisoners and eighty horses. 

On the 30th the Eighth Illinois crossed the Potomac for 
another raid, killed one of Mosby's men and wounded four ; 



312 THE ElGUTIl ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

they captured thirty-two guerrillas dressed in farmers' garb, 
fifty-six horses and mules, destroj'ed four wagons and 
brought two into camp loaded with cotton yarn, said to be 
worth five thousand dollars in cash. The}^ burned a cotton 
factory together with about five thousand dollars Avorth of 
wool and cotton ; marched one hundred and twenty miles in 
thirty-two hours — and returned to camp on the 2d of Sep- 
tember with a loss of one man wounded, W. J. Fellows of 
Company A, in the head, badly. 

On the 1st of September a squad under Lieutenant Culver 
of Company C of the Eighth Illinois succeeded in cap- 
turing a man by the name of Thomas J. Austin, who cut 
the telegraph wire when the rebels made their invasion, and 
who had evaded our scouts ever since. 

The regiment then returned to Muddy Branch with their 
prisoners, horses and plunder. This expedition, like many 
others that proceeded it, was one requiring great courage 
and endurance. Marching from thirty to forty miles and 
SKirmishing most of each day, lying down on the ground at 
night and rising in the morning to repeat the labor of 
previous day, was a work to be endured only by veterans 
like those of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

September Gth, a detachment under Major Ludlum made 
another raid into Virginia and returned with four prisoners 
and a goodly number of horses. They Avere followed by a 
lady who claimed one of the horses and who stoutly 
refused to return without her favorite animal. 

The regiment had been so detached that a detailed account 
of their doings could hardly be collected ; and the duties it 
was called to perform now served to separate the detach- 
ments still more, the distance of Muddy Branch to Port 
Tobacco being sixty or seventy miles. 

September 8th, part of the regiment was sent down the 
Potomac, on the Maryland side, to the vicinity of Port 
Tobacco to look after and arrest blockade runners, which 
duty though arduous and sometimes perilous served to amuse 



i%' 





iX ^W/i^lMj©^, giONJD^J Wy©Q© 



Ghicsto Lnt'o-,iiThm« Ih 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 313 

the men, and was very different work from that of facing and 
fighting the rebels, which they were always prepared to do. 

September 18th, those of the regiment who did not re- 
enlist as veterans, one hundred and eighty, having served the 
three years for which they enlisted, were mustered out, and 
left for their homes, carrying with them the good wishes and 
pleasant recollections of their comrades in arms, who were 
determined to "fight it out on that line" until the struggle 
was ended. 

The following is the only account of their operations I have 
able to obtain : A part of them were detailed about the first 
of May as a body guard to General Wilson, and the remain- 
der acted as orderlies to different commands. 

On the 3d of May the corps to Avhich they were attached 
was first put in motion and moved to Germania Ford, where 
the first fighting occurred ; that of the " old brigade" under 
command of Colonel Chapman. A short time after, 
detachment of the Eighth Cavalry under Lieutenant Long 
of the Third Indiana Cavalry, was sent with General Wilson 
and his division to a place near the head of the Po 
river, when they encountered the enemy in strong force and 
a sharp skirmish ensued. General Wilson finding the enemy 
too strong gave orders to retire. The Third Indiana, by 
this movement, being in advance and dismounted was in 
danger of being overwhelmed by the enemy and captured. 
General Wilson observing this, ordered his body-guard, a 
detachment of the Eighth, to make a charge, which they did, 
successfully checking the whole rebel column until the Third 
Indiana mounted and made good their retreat. In this fight 
the Eighth Illinois lost Corporal T. J. Clute, Company G> 
killed, Corporal Smith, Company A, and private II. II. 
Chappell, Company G, wounded, and Sergeant E. Duck- 
worth, Company K, Corporal A. R. Cole, Company L, 
privates George Perry, Company B, Samuel Maxwell, Com- 
pany C, Erederick Scoville, Company K, missing. In about 
eight days afterwards Duckworth, Cole and Perry made their 
40 



814 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

gscape and came into our lines. During General Sheridan's 
ereat raid, this detachment of the Eighth met with no losses 
except on the 12th four or five horses killed. On the 25th 
they returned to our lines. 

As the-4WMi«>t' election for President and Vice-President 
of the United States was approaching, orders were given 
to grant furloughs to all who were unfit for active duty in 
the field, that they might go home and vote ; and large 
numbers thus obtained leaves of absence — the government 
furnishing transportation. Our regiment, however, received 
little benefit from this order as few were at the time on the 
convalescent list. 

On Thursday October 28th Major Waite was ordered to 
send a squadron from Rectortown to Salem, to hunt Mosby. 
His men and horses were already tired, having just returned 
from a long scout down the Blue Ridge Mountains to Sperry- 
ville, in the face of General McCausland's brigade which was 
then in that country. Although they were tired and it was 
night and nearly two hundred rebels reported on the route, 
Companies L and K, under Captain Berry, started promptly 
and pushed through to Salem that night. 

On the morning the squadron started out and after march- 
ing a mile or so ran upon the pickets of a heavy force, and 
with a dash captured the pickets, w^hen an order came from 
the commander of the post at Salem for Captain Berry to 
f*ll back immediately, which he did carrying back his prison- 
ers and making a very successful expedition. Captain 
Berry commanding squadron and Lieutenant Clapp com- 
manding Company K, seemed able to go anywhere with such 
good backers. 

On the afternoon of the same day (Friday) a heavy storm set 
in and Major Waite ordered Captain Russell to take Compa- 
nies F, D, M, I and B, and move to Snicker's Gap at night 
and arrest certain citizens and such rebel soldiers as he 
might find. Rain, rain, rain — heavy and cold fell the rain, 
and at midnight Russell and his battalion started, the tramp 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 315 

of their horses and the jingle of sabres deadened by the 
heavy rain and the storm. They marched twenty miles 
before daylight and then turned their course homeward — a 
heavy line of skirmishers following them" on their retreat. 
Captain Russell and his men, through the exertions of his 
company commanders, Lieutenant Pearsons of Company F, 
Lieutenant Verbeck of Company D, Captain Sargeant of 
Company M, Lieutenant Corbet of Company B and Lieuten- 
ant Gregory of Company I, conducted the scout successfully, 
bringing in a lieutenant and fourteen men of Mosby's com- 
mand and a number of fine horses. 

On Saturday Captain Lincoln was sent on another scout 
towards Upperville, with Companies C, I^, G, II, K and L. 
After reaching the vicinity of Upperville the enemy's skir- 
mishers appeared on every hand and finally charged on the 
rear guard, under Lieutenant Clapp, and on the advance 
almost simultaneously. Lieutenant Clapp and his men from 
Company K held their ground against great odds as lon^ as 
they could, and finally fell back giving away to the right and 
|eft so as to let Lieutenant Corbet charge the enemy with 
the men of his squadron, consisting of Companies C and 13. 
Meanwhile about one hundred and ten charged the advance 
in impetuous style, but the gallant and steady bearino- of 
Captain Wing's squadron of Companies G and H saved our 
men from any damage. Captain Wing and Lieutenant 
DeLancy of Company H, both reserved the fire of their com- 
mands until the enemy came up and then poured in a well 
concentrated volley. Just then Captain Berry came up 
with his squadron and by a well directed volley sent the 
enemy flying, and joined Captain Wing in the headlong 
pursuit after the Virginia chivalry. Sergeant Chauncey 
Gonsolus was captured in this engagement. The remainder 
of the list of casualties was Corporal George Sherman, Com- 
pany G, Corporal George Bell, Company B, I. Williams 
Company B, and Disboro, Company II, all wounded in the 
leg, and William Johnson, Company C, iujured by a fall. 



316 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 

We lost one man captured. The enemy lost four killed and 
as many wounded, according to their own reports as since 
gathered. 

Nothing of much importance transpired with our men 
until November 21st, 18G4, when they were sent to Fairfax 
Court House — a now command having been organized, 
called the First Separate Brigade of the Department of 
Washington, Under Command of Brigadier-General William 
Gamble. Its duty was to guard the line extending from 
Prospect Hill on the Potomac river to Burkes' Station on the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad, a distance of twenty miles, 
and to scout and forage the country in our front to the Rap- 
pahannock river. The brigade consisted of the Eighth Illi- 
nois Cavalry, Thirteenth and Sixteenth New York Cavalry, 
Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Infantry, Fourth 
Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and the Sixteenth Massachu- 
setts Battery of Horse Artillery. General Gamble retained 
a part of his former staff, Captain Wickersham, A. A. G., 
Captain Lawrence, Q. M., Lieutenant McGuire, Aid-de- 
Camp, and Major Kennedy, I. G. The remainder of the 
staff was taken from the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and other 
regiments in the brigade. 

The winter was spent in a very agreeable manner for 
soldiers. The finest houses in Fairfax were used as head- 
quarters; the men built excellent huts for their protection 
and barracks were erected for the horses. When building 
their huts some soldiers asked permission of General Gamble 
to take bricks from an elegant mansion, the "Love House," 
to construct their chimneys. The General gave permission 
to take none but loose bricks. In forty-eight hours that fine 
building was aheap of ruins. When questioned as to exceed- 
ino- their permit the soldiers replied that they brought away 
"none but loose bricks." A fine church building was in 
like manner made to contribute to the comfort of the men. 

The headquarters of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry were at 
at Fairfax Court House, but parts of the regiment were 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 317 

stationed at Falls Church, Fairfax Station and Burkes' 
Station ; and these latter posts were occasionally annoyed 
by Mosby's men. An attempt at one time was made to 
capture a train of government wagons engaged in obtaining 
wood near Burkes' Station, but a part of Company K in 
charge of Lieutenant Hupp was too much for the enemy, 
and they escaped with the loss of several of their men. At 
another time Captain DeLancy and six men having been sent 
out from Fairfax Station at the request of General Albright, 
to look after the enemy who were supposed to be prowling 
about, were captured ; an account of which will be found in 
the chapter on '"captures." At still another time, our men 
from Fairfax Station made a dash on a squad of Mosby's 
men who had made arrangements to capture a train o 
wagons going after wood. The rebels were driven through 
the country on "double •quick" across Bull Run, leaving 
two of their men severely wounded. 

December 15th, sixteen officers recently appointed re- 
ceived their commissions and determined to celebrate the 
occasion in the evening, which they did in the most approved 
army style at headquarters. The occasion will long be re- 
membered as they pretty generally "wet their commissions!'' 

December 20th, Major Clendennin in command of one 
thousand men of the brigade made a reconnoisance into 
Louden Valley, and returned the third day bringing Avith 
him fourteen prisoners, and wounding two who were left at 
private houses. 

December 23d, two men of the Sixteenth New York Cav- 
alry, Sergeant Lee and private Flynn, who had been taken 
prisoners by the enemy in an attack made upon Colonel 
Switzer and a party of his Sixteenth New York Cavalry, 
came to the hospital. They made their escape from the 
enemy near Culpepper while their guards were drunk ; trav- 
eled two days and nights over the frozen ground. In cross- 
ing the Rappahannock river on a raft constructed of rails 
i-hey wet their feet and hands which were soon severely 



318 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

frozen, but tliey finally succeeded in reaching our lines and 
after a tedious convalesence both recovered. 

Nothing more worth recording occurred before the close 
of the year 1864. January, 1865, found the regiment per- 
forming the ordinary duties of winter life in the field and at 
the headquarters both of the brigade and the regiment. 
Frequent parties and social gatherings enlivened and re- 
lieved the monotony of camp life. A grand New Year's 
ball was given at the brigade headquarters, where a num- 
ber of guests from Washington and no small number of 
Virginia ladies were present. 

January 5th, a grand sleigh ride Avas undertaken — a large 
sleigh with four horses was driven by the Adjutant-General; 
when the horses taking fright, ran away, upset the sleigh 
filled with young ladies, and although several were bruised 
none were severely injured. On Sunday, January 8th, 
divine service was attended in a room fitted up for a chapel 
by the exertions of our worthy Chaplain, Will A. Spencer. 
The room was formerly occupied as a printing office, and on 
the walls could still be seen advertisements of runaway 
slaves, for the recovery of which large rewards were oifered. 

Frequent scouting parties scoured the country in all direc- 
tions. Febuary 21st, a party commanded by Captain Corbit 
of Company B, captured Colonel Carter, a Captain, a Lieu- 
tenant and five men. 

March 4th a large number of officers, soldiers and ladies 
went to Washington to witness the second inauguration of 
President Lincoln. The morning was rainy and very un- 
pleasant; but just as the President appeared upon the porch 
of the east front of the capitol, the clouds broke away, letting 
a beam of light shine upon his face, which added much to the 
sublimity of the occasion. 

On the morning of March 7th, as an escort of the Six- 
teenth New York Cavalry were coming to our headquarters, 
they were attacked in sight of camp by a party of guerrillas 
and lost two killed and eight prisoners. 



THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 319 

March 8th, a party from camp, accompanied by a num- 
ber of ladies, rode out to the Bull Run battle-field, which 
place to our surprise presented a most shocking appearance. 
Thousands of human skulls lay bleaching on the ground un- 
buried, and it occurred to us to report the fact to head- 
quarters, with the hope of having the bones decently interred. 
Captain Lawrence drew up the necessary report and an order 
was obtained to bury these remains, and permission given to 
erect two monuments, one on the first and one on the second 
Bull Run battle ground. 

March 10th, a party of four hundred and fifty men of the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry were sent out ; and on their return 
brought in a goodly number of prisoners. 

March 20th, a grand review of the entire brigade took 
place at Flint Hill. 

March 23d, General Gamble headed a scouting party of 
five hundred men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, a section of 
the Sixteenth Massachusetts battery, and after three days 
absence returned ; the usual result being obtained — a few 
prisoners and a large amount of forage. Some men had the 
audacity to capture a few turkeys and chickens from Gen- 
eral Gamble's quarters the evening the party returned. The 
General exclaimed, "heavens on earth," in more than his 
usual emphatic manner. 

April 3d, news of the fall of Richmond and Petersburg 
was received, which created the wildest enthusiasm. A 
grand review was ordered, the news announced and a salute 
of thirty-six guns fired in honor of the event. The rebel 
citizens professed to disbelieve this report but stood in fear 
and trembling. 

April 10th, the surrender by General Lee of the army of 
Northern Virginia to General Grant, which took 23lace at 
Appomattox, was received and a salute of two hundred guns 
was ordered at the post in honor of the great victory. 

All loyal hearts now rejoiced, while the rebels hung down 
their heads and expressed themselves willing to submit if only 



320 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 

their lives ^vould be spared. I believe no people were more 
completely whipped, to use a homely phrase, than the rebels 
of Virginia. On this day Captain Warner in command of 
Companies G and 11, attacked one hundred and fifty rebels 
at Brinston Hill and drove them ten miles, capturing a Lieu- 
tenant, four men and nine horses. The rebels had come to 
capture a mule train which was drawing wood to the Rail- 
road, but were sorely defeated. 

Arrangements for a party at headquarters of the brigade 
were made for the 15th of April, and among those who had 
accepted an invitation to be present and enjoy the festivities 
of the occasion was the young and gifted tragedian, J. 
Wilkes Booth. Ko small number of the ofiicers of Eighth 
Illinois and others were at the office of Captain Charles I. 
Wickersham on the evening of April 14th, when the click- 
ing of the telegraph in an adjoining room announced the sad 
news that President Lincoln had just been shot at Ford's 
Theatre ; and an attempt had been made to assassinate Sec- 
retary Seward and Assistant-Secretary Fred Seward, both 
of whom were seriously and probably mortally wounded. 
This news was as unexpected as a clap of thunder in a clear 
sky, and cast a gloom over all present. Another half hour 
brought us word that President Lincoln could not survive 
long and that Secretary Seward would probably die. In 
quick succession came orders to scour the country in all 
directions for the assassin, who had made his escape from 
the theatre, and was no other person than J. Wilkes Booth, 
who was expected at our party the next evening. The com- 
mand was soon ordered out, and the country so thoroughly 
picketed and searched, that a rabbit could have hardly made 
his escape through our lines without being discovered. 

Little rest was obtained that night, and when the morning 
dawned the sad intelligence went from soldier to soldier and 
from house to house, announcing the death of President 
Lincoln, who expired at seven and one-half o'clock A. M. 
April 15th. A deep gloom was cast over all loyal hearts, 



TUB EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 321 

and each seemed to have lost his only friend. The rebel in- 
habitants appeared to regret the catastrophe nearly as much 
as ourselves ; not that they had any love for Lincoln, but 
they expected his successor, Andrew Johnson, would show 
theiii no mercy. 

The Court House bell was tolled once a minute during the 
day, and all the troops that could be spared were put on 
duty. Nothing had occurred during the war, not even our 
greatest battles, that produced such a profund sensation as 
this crowning act of the rebellion. Not a word of disre- 
spect for our honored dead, would a soldier tolerate from 
any one. 

Captains Corbitt and Sargent had gone out on a recon 
noisance to Warrenton the day previous, and this morning 
captured Brigadier-General Paine, his Adjutant-General and 
three men and brought them into camp. I doubt very much 
their having been able to bring them to camp alive, had it been 
known that Abraham Lincoln was murdered. These officers 
were kept over night in the hospital under strict guard 
and next morning sent to Washington. Upon reaching the 
city and being put into the hands of the Provost Marshal, 
there was an attempt made by the throng to rescue them 
from his hands for the purpose of lynching them. In fact 
the excitement knew no bounds 

Monday, April 17th, General Gamble received orders to 
proceed with his staff, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
Sixteenth New York Cavalry to Washington,' to attend the 
funeral and search for the assassin of President Lincoln. 
The Eighth were at once sent down the Maryland side of the 
Potomac, in the vicinity of Port Tobacco, which country 
they thoroughly searched, leaving no nook or corner in which 
the assassin could be secreted. The well known rebel sen- 
timent of this part of Maryland made the duty extremely 
arduous, for no information would the citizens give which 
they could possibly withhold. Booth, however, had suc- 
41 



322 THE ElGHTn ILLINOIS CAVALHY. 

ceeded in crossing the river into Virginia, and was finally 
captured by other cavalry. 

The funeral of Abraham Lincoln, probably one of the 
most imposing spectacles ever witnessed on this continent, 
took place on Wednesday the 19th of April, 1865. The 
Brigade staff, the Sixteenth New York Cavalry and a detach- 
ment of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry took part in the cere- 
monies ; and at night General Gamble and General Slough, 
with their respective staffs, took charge of the body in the 
rotunda of the capitol. Next day the remains were taken 
by a special railroad train, via the principal cities of the 
north to Springfield, Illinois. The staff returned to Fair- 
fax Court House ; but detachments of the regiment were on 
duty in Maryland and Virginia for sometime, their duty con- 
sisted in arresting smugglers and keeping order through the 
lower counties of Maryland, a repetition of former duty in 
that vicinity. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin was chosen a member of 
the court to try the conspirators. 

April 25th the regiment was ordered to Camp Casey, near 
Washington, and did not return to Fairfax Court House till 
May 23d. 

April 29th we received news of the surrender of General 
Johnston and his army to General Sherman, which we con- 
cluded was virtually an end of the rebellion. Following this 
event, rebel soldiers came by scores to our headquarters to be 
paroled, as the same terms were granted them as were given 
the soldiers of Lee and Johnston. 

On the 12th ot May the Fifth Corps passed Fairfax on 
its way to Washington, it being the advance of the grand 
armies on their return from the many sanguinary battle- 
fields where they had fought, bled and conquered; following 
this was the Second Corps. 

May 15th the cavalry corps arrived and camped at Fairfax 
Court House for the night. There were General Devin, 
General Custar, Colonel Penington, Major Robinson and 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 323 

many others, with whom the Eighth Illinois had marched 
and fought for nearly three long years. The meeting and 
greetings were warm and enthusiastic ; but a sadness came 
over us when we thought of the many fallen braves whose 
warm grasp of the hand would no more be felt. Their 
names are legion and we will not attempt to enumerate^ 
them. 

Following the army of the Potomac, came the armies of 
the Tennessee, Georgia and the Cumberland. The men who 
had marched and fought with Generals Sherman, Howard, 
Hooker and others from the Mississippi to Atlanta, and 
from Atlanta to the sea. The march from Eichmond to 
Washington was unnecessarily rapid and many poor fellows 
who had endured the perils and toils of marches and battles 
for four years, as they were now returning home to enjoy the 
fruits of that peace they had fought to gain, sank down and 
died of exhaustion. We picked up a large number of dis- 
abled soldiers and kept them in the hospital until they re- 
covered. 

May 28th orders were received for the Eighth Illinois 
Cavalry to repair to St. Louis, Missouri, and we at once 
went to Washington to make arrangements to turn over the 
government property in our possession ; but before anything 
further was done the order was revoked by General Grant. 

June 11th the two monuments at Bui Run erected by Gen- 
eral Gamble's brigade were appropriately dedicated, Generals 
Heintzleman, Wilcox, Farnsworth and others, with a large num- 
ber of citizens from Washington and the !N"orth being present. 
The brigade performed many evolution on the very spot 
where charge and counter-charge were made at the Bull Run 
battle, and Captain Scott with his Sixteenth Massachusetts 
battery fired a salute from the spot where Rickets' battery 
was captured. 

One of these monuments stands on the old Bull Run battle- 
field where the fiercest engagement occurred. The other 
stands a mile distant near Groveton where the hardest firrht- 



324 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

ing of the second Bull Eun battle took place. On the latter 
field our soldiers interred more than two thousand four 
hundred human skulls, that lay bleaching on the ground. 

June 16th orders were again received for the regiment to 
go to Missouri ; arrangements were rapidly made, and on 
the 19th the Eighth Illinois bid farewell to Fairfax and Vir- 
ginia. We marched to Washington and took the Baltimore 
and Ohio railroad to Parkersburg, West Virginia. At that 
place we were taken on board of steamboats. On arriving 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, Companies I and M were transferred to 
the railroad and went to St. Louis by cars. At Lawrence- 
burg Companies B and E were disembarked and sent to St. 
Louis by railroad. Companies I and M reached East St. 
Louis June 25th, and Companies B and E June 27th and 
that afternoon crossed the river and went into Benton Bar- 
racks. John L. Hiller, of Company D, was shot and in- 
stantly killed by the accidental discharge of a carbine. The 
majority of the regiment came in boats by way of the Ohio 
and Mississippi rivers, — Colonel Gamble and staff and Com- 
pany L on the steamer Olive. In going up the Mississippi 
at Tea-Table Bar about eleven o'clock on the night of the 
28th of June, the Olive >truck a snag and sunk. Some of 
the men jumped into the water and attempted to swim 
ashore. Frank Meacham of Company I, and A. C. McKin- 
ney of Company L, swam three miles down the river before 
they could effect a landing. They finally succeeded in 
reaching the shore nearly exhausted and made their way to 
a farm house where they were cared for and provided with 
sufficient old clothes to cover their bodies, as nearly all their 
clothing was lost in the water. 

Lieutenant Aaron W. Rundle, First Sergeant Arick II. 
Berzell, Willis W. Keyser, John L. Wilson and Henry H. 
Green, all of Company L, were drowned. Their loss was 
deeply felt by their comrades and all who knew them ; 
their noble and heroic devotion to their country during the 
war was worthy of all praise. One hundred and four horses 



\ 

THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 325 

were drowned, among the number Colonel Gamble's fine 
gray stallion. Company L lost all their baggage and com- 
pany books ; and the Colonel and stafi" lost nearly all the 
Headquarter baggage. They, however,, saved the regimental 
records. 

July 1st orders were received to proceed to Fort Riley, 
Kansas, which gave great dissatisfaction. The men claimed 
that they re-enlisted for three years or during the war ; that 
now the war was over and having fulfilled their part of the 
contract they should be mustered out. A petition embodying 
these views was signed by all the officers present belonging 
to the regiment, and sent to General Pleasanton, chief of 
cavalry in Missouri. The General telegraphed the substance 
of the petition to Washington with a hearty indorsement ; 
and on the 4th of July an order was received to turn over all 
government property and be mustered out. When the order 
was read to the men such a shout as went up from them had 
not been heard since their victories over the rebel cavalry in 
Virginia. That afternoon Colonel Beveridge and Major 
Matlack, both formerly of the Eighth Illinois, but now of 
the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, made us a visit. The men 
assembled at headquarters where speeches were made by 
many of the officers, and if there ever was a "happy family," 
it was the Eight Illinois Cavalry. 

On the 6th of July General Pleasanton made us a visit 
and a speech, in which he recounted the deeds performed by 
the regiment in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania while 
in his command, and complimented us in the highest terms. 
At the close of his speech the "boys" gave three hearty 
cheers for their old and honored leader. The time from the 
4th to the 17th of July was spent in turning over property 
and preparing the muster-out rolls. General Grant had 
given as one of the reasons for sending the regiment to Mis- 
souri that the horses were needed in the western department, 
which was no doubt correct. Yet in twenty-four hours after 
the horses were transferred to the Quartermaster at St. 



326 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Louis, on going into the city, we saw some of the best 
animals in the streets drawing carriages and carts. They 
were branded " I. C." which means " Inspected and Con- 
demned ;" and sold to citizens. How much benefit Uncle 
Sam received from the horses we turned over we are not able 
to say. 

On the 10th and 11th of July the officers held meetings 
and perfected an organization, the subject of which will 
commend itself to every friend of the regiment. The follow- 
ing is the Constitution adopted : 

Constitution of the JEiglith Illinois Veteran Cavalry Associ- 
ation, Adopted at a Meeting of the Eighth Regiment 
Illinois Veteran Cavalry, at Benton Barracks, Missouri, 
July 11, 1865. 

PREAMBLE. 
We, the undersigned, members of the Eighth Regiment 
Illinois Cavalry, believing that the four years of active war- 
fare in camp and field, in the face of the foe, and in the many 
hotly contested battles in which we have stood by each other, 
in defence of our common country, and all we hold dear on 
earth, have so connected us together, that nothing can efface 
the pleasant recollections of the deeds of noble daring per- 
formed by our comrades — now, as we are about to seperate, 
hereby associate ourselves together for the purpose of 
friendly intercourse and mutual benefit, and ordain and sub- 
scribe to the following constitution : 

NAME. 

Art. I. This Association shall be called the "Eighth 
Illinois Veteran Cavalry Association." 

MEMBERS. 

Art. II. The members shall consist of all who are now 
members of the Eighth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, or who 
have been honorably discharged from ii, as well as all others 
who have been directly connected with the regiment. 



I 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 327 

OFFICERS. 

Art. III. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice 
President, Secretary and Assistant-Secretary, — the Secre- 
tary also performing the duties of Treasurer. Said officers 
to perform the duties usually required of such officers ; to 
hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are 
elected — their offices becoming vacated on their removal 
from the State of Illinois. In case of the death, or removal 
from the State, of the Secretary, the Assistant-Secretary will 
receive the books, records and money of the Association, 
receipting for the same, and assuming the duties of Sec- 
retary. 

ELECTION. 

Art. IV. The officers shall be elected, annually, by 

ballot. 

duties of members. 

Art. V. Each officer shall be required to pay one dollar 
upon signing the Constitution, and shall furnish the Secre- 
tary with his name, age and residence, and shall also 
promptly furnish the Secretary with written notice of his 
change of residence. 

EXPULSION. 

Art. VI. ISTo member shall be expelled except by a two- 
thirds vote of the members present at an annual meeting. 

ANNUAL MEETINGS. 

Art. VII. This Association shall assemble on the 18th 
day of September, of each year — that being the day on 
which the Regiment was mustered into the service of the 
United States, September, 1861 — at such a place as the 
Association shall select. The selection of the next place of 
meeting shall be made at the Annual meeting ; and each 
member shall be considered honorably bound to attend such 
meetings, unless unavoidably detained, and to continue to 
uphold and sustain the Annual Re-Unions so long as two 
members are living. And in case any annual meeting fail 



328 THE EIGIITU ILLINOIS C-VVALRY. 

to appoint the place for the next meeting, the power shal 
be vested in the officers of the Association to appoint the 
place of meeting. 

AMENDMENTS. 

Art. VIIl. No alteration or amendment shall be made 
to this Constitution, except it be proposed by a majority 
vote of the members present at the previous annual meeting, 
and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present. 
J. F. Farns Worth, President, 
William Gamble, Vice-President, 

A. Hard, Secretary. 

B. L. Chamberlain, Assistant- Secretary. 
Sunday, July 16th, Chaplain Will A. Spencer preached 

a farewell sermon, taking his text from the first chapter of 
Ruth, 16th verse, "Whither thou goest I will go &c." 

July 17th the final muster-out was completed, and on the 
18th we started for Chicago which place we reached on the 
evening of July 19th. Although expected in Chicago at 
eleven o'clock the regiment did not arrive until half past 
five p.m, too late an hour for the reception to take place at] the 
Court House, especially as the men were weary and hungry. 
They were therefore marched directly to the Soldiers' Rest, 
where an excellent dinner had been awaiting them since noon. 
The men did good service in clearing the tables, which were 
bountifully provided with far better repast than usually con- 
stitutes soldiers' fare, and when all appetites were sated. 
Colonel Bowen called them to order to hear some brief 
remarks of welcome. 

Hon. II. F. Waite first addressed the regiment, warmly 
welcoming it back, and referring in eloquent terms to the 
gallant service it had done in the cause of our country, say- 
ing the history of the army of the Potomac would never be 
written without including a history of the Eighth Illinois 
regiment. 

Brigadier-General Farnsworth was the next speaker. He 
greeted them back with feelings of the deepest pleasure, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 32J 

and proceeded to seview in extenso the history of their scr 
vices. He spoke of the high encomiums passed upon them 
bj Generals Stoneman, Pleasanton, Sumner and Sheridan. 
In conclusion he proposed three cheers for the ladies who 
provided the banquet, which the boys gave with a hearty 
good will. 

Colonel Gamble (Brevet Brigadier-General,) being then 
loudly called for, briefly addressed the regiment. He said 
that when he first entered the rervice, twenty years ago, 
General Sumner took a fancy to him and gave him an excel- 
lent piece of advice, which was, "keep your eyes and ears 
open and your mouth shut." The advice he had always 
followed, and therefore was no speech maker, indeed, the 
most of his talking was on official business. In conclusion 
he pronounced the highest encomiums upon the regiment 
which had been under his command, expressed his regret at 
parting with them and assured them of his intentions to do 
all in his power to facilitate their final payment and dis- 
charge. 

Major Russell was loudly called for, but instead of mak- 
ing a speech he proposed " three more cheers for the ladies 
of the Rest," to which the boys again responded in tones 
which caused the very walls to tremble. 

This concluded the reception. Those who did not go to 
their homes in the city were quartered at the Rest for the 
night, and next morning at nine o'clock the whole regiment 
moved out to Camp Douglas. 

The final payment and discharge was not completed until 
July 21st, when all separated to meet annually on the 18th 
day of September, so long as two members survived. 

During four years service, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry not 
only kept its ranks well filled, but furnished a large number 
of officers for staff" duty with many Generals in the army of 
the Potomac, viz: Generals Sumner, Pleasanton, Howard, 
Richardson, Buford, Merritt, Auger, Keys, Casey, Negley 
Chapman, Devin and Sheridan. It furnished twenty-two 
42 



330 THE EIQHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

officers for colored regiments. Major Daniel Dustin became 
Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteers, 
and many others in that regiment were from the old 
Eighth. 

Of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel J. L. Bev- 
eridge, Lieutenant-Colonel D. J. Ilynes, Major L. Mattlack, 
Surgeon S. K. Crawford, Assistant-Surgeon Robert Sill, 
Captain Samuel W. Smith, Captain J. F. Austin and a num- 
ber of others were all from the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 

James S. Van Patten was promoted Captain, A. Q. M., 
W. S. Robertson was promoted to the same rank and Philo 
Judson to Captain C. S., Captain "Woodbury M. Taylor was 
promoted Major and Chief Commissary upon 'Gen. Pleasan- 
ton's staff, and Captain Amasa Dana was promoted Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, A. A. G. And finally the Eighth Illinois 
Cavalry furnished two full Brigadier-Generals and five Brig- 
adier-Generals by Brevet, to-wit : Full Brigadiers, John F. 
Farnsworth and Elon J. Farnsworth. Brigadier-Generals 
by Brevet, William Gamble, Daniel Dustin, John L. Bever- 
idge, David R. Clendennin and George A. Forsythe. 



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CHAPTER XIII. 

On Captures— Lieutenant George Gamble's Capture and Experience— Captain John W. 
DeLancy's Capture and Experience— William H. Leckey'g Capture and Experience — 
Corporal William Y. Heather's Capture and Experience— Lieutenant B. L. Chamber- 
lain's Capture and Experience. 

LIEUTENANT GAMBLE'S ACCOUNT OF HIS CAPTURE. 

" I was captured at Mj-dison Court House, Virginia, on 
the 22d of September, 1863, while on the staff of General 
Chapman, and taken to Libby Prison. I remained there 
until the movements of General Grant in June, 1864, when 
I was taken to Danville, Yirginia, and from there to Macon, 
Georgia, where I remained two months. From Macon I 
was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, and kept under 
the fire of the United States guns for six weeks, to stop the 
firing on the city. We were then moved to Columbia, 
South Carolina, where I remained until the 22d of Novem- 
ber, 1864, when I escaped and reached General Sherman's 
lines in front of Savannah, South Carolina, after twenty 
nights' travel through the swamps of South Carolina and 
Georgia, going a distance of about three hnndred miles. I 
made five escapes before, but was re-captured every time. 

George H. Gamble." 

CAPTAIN JOHN W. DE LANEY'S STATEMENT. 

" Of the affair in which I was captured I will state : I 
was ordered to take six men and move a few miles outside of 
camp ; the commanding officer having heard, through the 
reliable agency of an "intelligent contraba,nd," the enemy 
wore hoverinor about. The six men furnished me were re- 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 343 

cruits, and upon being attacked, they, with one exception, 
proved to be "recruits" in every sence of the word. They 
with myself were all captured, however ; but received from 
our captors very courteous treatment as soon as the excite- 
ment was over and we were enabled to inform them of the 
organization to which we belonged. At FredericKsburg Ave 
were placed in charge of the confederate authorities, who, 
also, treated us kindly and seemed glad to see us in view of 
the fact that we belonged to the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and 
were Western men. From Fredericksburg we went to Rich- 
mond by rail — where we were recognized as belonging to the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, by a man who had lost a valuable 
white horse on the Northern Neck. This was (as the stranger 
said to the other upon an answer in the negative as to whether 
he used tobacco,) 'agin us,' and we took as much abuse and 
profanity as if saints ; owing to the peculiarities of our sur- 
roundings, however, more than to our saintly proclivities. 

" Libby prison was next visited ! Here I was separated 
from the men, they being assigned 'rooms' with the enlisted; 
I, after being searched vigorously by a ' Yankee renegade,' 
who acted in that capacity for an extra ration, was ' shown ' 
my ' apartments.' Meats were served a la European, being 
brought to our rooms by a squad of Yankee renegades in 
charge of a rebels who in my opinion far exceeded any one 
of them in manly principles. Two weeks in Libby prison 
and we were invited by the ' authorities ' to an excursion, 
with a view of .paying a somewhat protracted visit to Dan- 
ville. Here we found but little difference so far as diet, etc., 
was concerned, except that the facilities for cleanliness were 
far inferior to those of Libby. Our food consisted of a pint 
of corn-meal each day, ground, all the time cob and all. I 
got, perhaps, one and one-half pound meat during my stay, 
which was just three months. The stories circulated during 
and since the war about the manner in which prisoners have 
suffered have never as many supposed been exaggerated. 
The whole truth could not be justly portrayed to any one 
who did not pass through the ordeal. J. W. DeLancy." 



344 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

WILLIAM II. LECKEY'S SToRY. 

I was taken prisoner on the 11th day of November, 1864, 
at Manassas Junction, Virginia, taken to Hichmond and put 
in Libby prison, to serve, I knew not how long. Of my 
treatment while in that prison I have not language adequate 
to convey a correct idea ; however, I will tell it as best I 
can in as few words as possible : I was very thinly clothed, 
bareley enough to cover my nakedness, had no blanket or bed 
and was compelled to sleep on the bare floor. Our rations 
consisted of corn-cob meal made into thin cakes about four 
inches square and one of these divided between four men. 
Each man received a small piece of 'salt horse' about the 
size of a walnut. These two constituted our food. 

I will relate a little incident that occurred while I was in 
Libby prison. One night two of the boys got out of prison. 
The next morning when the officer came and counted us and 
found two missing he wanted to know where they had gone. 
Of course none of us knew. He then said we should have 
nothing to eat until we had told him where they had gone. 
After a while, however, he returned with our grub of corn 
cake and 'salt horse.' But he never found out the where- 
abouts of those two men, and we would have starved to death 
rather than give him any information. 

We remained in Libby about four weeks and were trans- 
ferred to Salsbury, North Carolina, to a miserable 'hog hole' 
of a place, too filthy for human beings. Man never laid 
eyes on a ' nastier ' place. There we spent most of the 
winter of 1864. The weather was intensly cold, and I, 
without shoes, hat and only a piece of a shirt and a pair of 
ragged pants, experienced great difficulty to keep from 
freezing. Our food in Salsbury was worse than in Libby 
prison, and we had less of it. For eight weeks we did not 
get any meat. Twenty-four sticks of wood, about four 
feet long, were allowed to each one hundred men for fires- 
That amount contributed but a small share towards supplying 
us with warmth for twenty-four hours. One day a dog 



THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 343 

came into our prison and the boys killed and skinned him. 
Some cooked, the meat and others ate it raw. You may 
imagine they had pretty strong stomachs. One time one of 
the boys went up into the third story of a house which 
stood in the prison grounds, where they confined some 
rebels who would not serve in the army, to buy something. 
The rebels stripped him of his clothing and pitched him out 
of a window. That I saw with my own eyes. Just as sure 
as we would gather in crowds we would be fired upon. I 
am out of their hands now and have had my revenge ; if, 
however, there should be a call to go through the south and 
'clean them out,' I will be one among the first to enlist. 

CORPORAL WILLIAM Y. HEATHER'S NARRATIVE. 

" About the 15th of October, 1863, I was detailed from 
the regiment to report to Captain Hale, Commissary of the 
first division of cavalry, who gave me charge of seven men, 
Richard Hillman, Harrison F. Adams, Cornelius Ilollenbeck, 
Frank Livings, John Brindle, Joe Proctor and Lyman Pratt, 
to guard the beef cattle of our division. We liked the busi- 
ness, and all went well until the 31st of October, when four 
men dressed in blue made their sudden and unwelcome 
appearance in our camp, near Waterloo, and demanded us to 
surrender. Our man on picket gave us no alarm, being 
deceived by their dress. We had no chance to dress, to say 
nothing of getting our arms, [and of course surrendered. 
In a few moments we found ourselves mounted and on our 
way to Dixie. Brindle and Proctor happened to be absent 
at their respective companies, and did not share our unhappy 
fate. Lyman Pratt, who belonged to my own company, 
being mounted on a fast horse made his escape at the first 
opportunity. The other four and myself were committed 
to the Hospital Laundry prison at Richmond on the 2d of 
]S[ovember and remained there about two weeks, during which 
time we saw exhibitions of diabolical cruelty too outrageous 
to be believed if told. In two weeks we were removed to 
the tobacco warehouse or Pemberton building opposite Libby 
44 



344 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

prison. Here in a room ninety by thirty feet were three 
hundred and forty men living in dirt and fed on about one- 
fourth rations. Alany were taken sick but none received 
any medical aid. After being there a short time I was con- 
vinced of the truth of the reports of inhumanity. I have 
seen men so hungry that they Avould go to the piles of dirt 
swept up, and pick out little crumbs of bread and eat them. 
I have even seen them go to the spittoon boxes and get the 
few particles that had fallen there and eat them without the 
least hesitation. I have seen tobacco-chewers pick up and 
chew old quids of tobacco that had been thrown away by 
those who had been so lucky as to escape being robbed ; as 
it was the common practice in Dixie to rob prisoners, when 
committing them to prison. Three men went crazy from 
gradual starvation. 

On the 21st of January, 1864, we were removed to Belle 
Island, where we were doomed to more suffering than ever ; 
being turned out of a warm room into a cold atmosphere 
with no tents and the cold earth for our bed. We had very 
few blankets and very little clothing — some were almost 
naked. One man froze to death for want of clothing — his 
dress being only a pair of drawers, llere our diet consisted 
of one-third pint of buggy pea soup and two and a. half 
inches square of hard corn bread without salt. This was our 
food for about two months. The boys went without meat so 
long they killed every dog that came into camp. I remember 
that our little squad killed a dog one day, and it was snatched 
with such eagerness that I did not get a mouthful. Our 
squad had a few blankets, but some were destitute and 
would run around all night to keep from freezing. Under 
this treatment our boys died very fast. I remember seeing 
seven of our dead boys lying around for eight days and the 
hogs were often seen rooting them about. The most I know 
of freezing to death in one night was five. Our brave and 
helpless boys were often shot for the slightest provocations 
and sometimes for the violation of some order they knew 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 345 

nothing about. One day there was a notice put up in a 
back ^,place in camp of which very few of the boys had 
heard, until some of them went within six feet of a certain 
place which had been forbidden in the notice, when the brute 
on guard fired into them killing two and wounding one. 

" On the Gth of March our little party was sent to Americus, 
Georgia. We resolved to get away or die trying ; but the 
attempt seemed useless as we were put in a box-car with 
only two doors, one locked with a massive lock, and just 
across the car at the other was a guard of two men stationed. 
A guard was also on top. Things looked gloomy. A little 
Yankee ingenuity, however, soon laid the plan to escape. 
JJick Hellman was to take a pocket-knife and unscrew the 
lock while I was to stand between Dick and the guards ; 
the other boys were to interest the guards as much as they 
could by talking and quareling with each other. Dick 
worked with all the skill and speed he could command and 
finally succeeded in removing the lock. We now awaited 
an opportunity to escape unnotied. Just as the train was 
leaving a station a little ways from Kaleigh, North Carolina, 
we carefully shoved the door aside and Hellman and Adams 
made good their escape ; I quickly followed. We then held 
a council, when we determined to stay in the woods in the 
daytime and travel by night in the direction of Halifax, on 
the Roanoake river. We inquired our way and begged food 
of the negroes during our nocturnal marches. We prosecut- 
ed this plan for eight days when we came across Hallenbeck 
of the Third Indiana Cavalry. He had made his escape a 
little after we did. We were greatly rejoiced to meet each 
other. We all continued on the same route until we got 
within a few miles of Halifax when we learned that there 
were pickets ahead on the road and that' they had.captured 
some of our soldiers the day before, who were trying the 
same plan of escape. Instead of going on we left the road 
and struck the Roanoake three miles below thejjpickets. The 
next night, with the aid of some negroes, we succeeded in 



346 THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

crossing. After traveling two nights we found ourselves in a 
loyal neighborhood that fed and secreted us for about three 
weeks, when we were informed that the gunboats would meet 
us at Winsor, on Kishi river, a distance of about forty miles. 
By this time our party was joined by three more Yankees 
who had escaped from the Danville prison, five rebel de- 
serters and thirty-two runaway negroes, thus making our 
party forty-four strong. We set out together in search of 
the long-looked for Yankee gunboats. After going about 
twenty miles through swamps and marshes we struck off into 
the wood to stay through the day. By some means the 
rebels found us out, and about ten o'clock (just as we all hap- 
pened to be asleep,) they made a descent upon us and fired a 
volley into our midst, killing three of the negroes. We 
took to our heels in every direction for personal safety. 
Three of the whites did not wake up in time to escape. One 
of them belonged to our little party of four, C. Hollenbeck. 
After I halted I found that li. Adams, of the old squad, 
was all the companion I had, the rest having all got separ- 
ated during the sudden retreat. Adams and I made up our 
minds to return to the loyal neighborhood. After staying 
there about a month longer we determined to try to reach 
our lines at Plymouth. The citizens hired a guide to pilot 
us and eif^ht citizens through, which he accomplished, reach- 
in »■ our lines at Portsmouth on the 9th of May. I joined 
the regiment on the 13th of May. 

William Y. Heather." 

CAPTAIN B. L. chamberlain's EXPERIENCE. 

" On the 5th day of May, 1862, the battle of Williams- 
huY(T was fought. We were ordered up and took part in the 
fight, I was acting as battalion Quartermaster of the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalry, together with Lieutenants IIuls and 
Jiisbey. Lieutenant J. S. Van Patten was Quartermaster. 
On the morning of the 6th, after the regiment had left in 
pursuit of the fleeing rebels, I was ordered to take a wagon 
train to Williamsburg. I was the only Quartermaster in 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 347 

camp ; Yan Patten being sick, Bisby looking over the 
battle-field and Huls having gone back to see Van Patten 
and bring np some part of the train that had been left 
behind. Our wagons, twenty-two in number, had been all 
unloaded for the purpose of making sleeping places for the 
teamsters. When the orders came, I and Quartermaster 
Sergeant Grimly (since Lieutenant, Company I,) were all 
the officers in camp with not a man to help load up except 
the teamsters, and they were scattered over the battle-field 
seeing the sights. We immediately commenced loading, 
and a hard time we had of it ; but by a good deal of 
heavy lifting we accomplished the work and immediately 
moved up to Williamsburg, and parked the train on the hill 
outside of the village. Not long after I received an order 
from Colonel Farnsworth, in the presence of General 
McClellan, to go out to a certain plantation, supposed to be 
ahout one mile, and see if I could procure any forage for the 
regiment, as it was understood we were to camp on that 
ground. My order was to go and see if there was any for- 
age and if so to report to Major Beveridge, who would take 
his battalion and teams and go out and get it. I must say I 
did not like the order, for I had been doing Lieutenant 
Bisby's work all the morning — that is, 'running the train.' 
Previous to this time we had divided the work of the regi- 
ment, Lieutenant Bisby |was to attend the train, Lieutenant 
IIuls the forage and I the commissary business of the regi- 
ment, while the Quartermaster-in-Chief attended wholly to 
the office work. I immediately left in no very good humor 
to fulfil the orders, together with my son, Sergeant Stanley 
and private J. D. Rickart. We had not proceeded one 
mile before I discovered men crossing the street in front of 
me, evidently in a hurry. I put spurs to my horse and suc- 
ceeded in overtaking a 'colored gentleman,' who informed 
me that they were men residing on the other side of the 
' timber,' and were not accustomed to traveling in Virginia. 
I believed his yarn and proceeded at least another mile when 



348 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

we came to a log shanty inhabited as I found out by a 
colored family belonging to the very plantation that I was 
in search of. The woman told me that no soldier of any 
kind had passed there in two weeks. I then hesitated about 
going any further, as until that time I had supposed our 
cavalry had passed that way. Very near this place I met 
Captain Forsythe who informed me he had been scouting 
the country and had not seen a rebel. I proceeded through 
a small piece of timber and came in sight of the house I was 
in search of. I noticed a man standing in front of the house 
and remarked to my comrades that he did not act like a 
'darkey;' still I did not hesitate but rode up to the house, 
distant about eighty rods. As I was in the act of dismount- 
ing to a,scertain if there was any forage in the numerous 
barns, we were surrounded by a squadron of the Third Vir- 
ginia Cavalry, numbering one hundred and ten men, and 
commanded to surrender. Looking around I discovered 
numerous double barreled shot guns pointing towards us, 
evidently with the intention of being discharged in case of 
our refusal to surrender. As I could see no hope of 
escape and thinking a live prisnoer might be of more use to 
my family than a dead hero, I concluded to surrender and take 
my chances of what might follow. The rebels were in about 
as bad a predicament as I was, for they were entirely at a loss 
to know what I was out there for. They had seen Captain 
Forsythe pass and were in ambush for him, but he eluded 
them by taking the left hand road instead of the right. 
Immediately after, I was stripped of my fighting materials, 
which was done' in an unceremonious manner, Lieutenant 
Lichfield, of King George County, Virginia, presented a 
pistol to my head and swore he would blow out my brains, 
and I really thought he would. Hut I put on a bold front 
and told him he would not do any such thing. He wanted 
to know why he would not. I told him in the first place I did 
not think he wanted to, and in the second place he dared 
not do it. Just at this time, greatly to my relief, the Major 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 349 

commanding the s(iuadron rude uj) and told him to stop his 
threats and treat his prisoners well. The same Lieutenant 
Lichfield was dit^patched with sixteen men to guard us to the 
rebel camp, distant about six miles. We were hurried to 
our utmost. In passing towards Burnt Ordinary where we 
were destined to camp, we passed on our left, a body of cav- 
alry standing to horse about one-half mile distant from us. 
I enquired who they were and was told they were 'yankces.' 
I afterwards learned it was a part of our own regiment under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble. I expected every 
moment they would charge down upon us, and I think the 
guards thought so too, for they drew their pistols, all that had 
any, and held them in close proximity to onr heads, as much 
as to say 'you won't get away anyhow.' If tfiere was ever 
a time I would like to hear bullets whistle, it was just then. 
I would have taken my chances if I could have seen those 
fellows put to flight. We traveled about two miles when we 
came to the rebel pickets and soon after arrived at General 
Johnston's headquarters. I was taken before the General to 
be examined. General Fitz Hugh Lee was then Adjutant- 
General on Johnston's staff. Lee did the questioning, which 
did not amount to much. I was told that I was not com- 
pelled to ansAver any questions. The questions were, " Who 
Avas in command in the fight at Williamsburg;" "where 
was General McCcellan ;" " how many men had McClelan ;" 
all of which I answered to my own satisfaction if not to 
theirs. I passed through a portion of their army and they 
were evidently getting out of the way as fast as possible, 
althongh I saw nothing like disorder in their ranks. That 
night our horses were taken from us and we had to travel on 
foot to liichmond, a distance of sixty miles. We made the 
trip in two days. We fell in with a number of prisoners at 
Burnt Ordinary, that were taken in the fight at Williams- 
burg. 

" Once at Richmond, we were marched through the city 
to Libby prison, the little bugler playing ' Dixie ' on his 



350 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

trumpet bugle. I was there separated from my son and 
comrades and put in a room containing one hundred and 
sixty other poor devils that had been taken prisoners. 
Amongst the number were forty Bull Run prisoners taken 
at the first battle of Bull Run. They were held as hostages 
to be hung in case our government hung the privateers. 
I there found Lieutenant Lumbar of our regiment, who was 
taken in our first advance to the Rappahannock early in the 
spring. I also became acquainted with Colonels Corcoran, 
Wilcox, Vodgees and Potter, all of them since Mojor-Gen- 
crals in the Union Army. We were packed pretty thick in 
the prison — only about three feet space for each cot and a 
little space in the center to set our tables. One great 
luxury we had was a large bathing tub with plenty of waterf 
We were not destined to stay long in Libby, for McClellan 
was making it hot for the rebels in and around Richmond. 
On or about the 20th of May we were told we would be re- 
moved to Salsbury, North Carolina, the next morning. 
Immediately a great bustle took place preparatory to getting 
ready to move. Our rations at Libby prison consisted o 
plenty of good bread, some fresh meat, a little salt and a 
very little soap and a tallow candle to every twenty men. 
No coffee or tea was ever issued in a single instance. In the 
morning we were ordered to pack up in a hurry, and soon 
after Ave knew the reason by the sound of cannon not a great 
way off. I have never ascertained for a certainty what was 
going on that morning or where the fight was, for the chiv- 
alric gentlemen of the south stole my diary and all my clothes 
while coming from Salisbury afterwards. We tried to find 
out where the fight was from the officers in charge, but they 
either did not know or would not tell. I remarked to an 
officer by my side that it could not be more than six mile^ 
distant, and one of the privates standing by my side as a 
guard raised four fingers as much as to say only four miles 
I think it must have been at Gaines' Mill. We were hurried 
to the cars and put through to Petersburg, twenty-two miles 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 353 

distant, in short order, and there we lay nearly all night. 
The cannon still booming in our ears was music to us, for 
we expected it would be the downfall of Richmond. We 
were three days getting to Salisbury, and all that time wo 
were not permitted to get off the cars, consequently got no 
sleep. When we arrived we were as miserable a looking set 
of fellows as one might wish to see. 

At Raleigh, on our way, (it being Sunday,) we were 
visited by a great many people, mostly women, who showered 
upon us the most bitter taunts and threats that ever came 
out of the mouths of any people. I really believe those 
women would have hung every one of us could they have 
had their way. One woman said it would afford her special 
delight to see us all hung up, and advised the guards to do 
it. But we had no fears on the subject for we were worth too 
much to be thrown away for nothing. We found our quaters 
at Salisbury much preferable to Libby ; a large prison yard 
of about twelve acres, fenced in with a tight board fence ten 
feet high. There we found about fifty officers and seven 
hundred privates, mostly Bull Run men who had been there 
until they had obtained a residence. The prison proper 
was a large brick cotton factory six stories high, capable of 
holding an innumerable number. This was occupied ex- 
clusively by privates. The officers occupied numerous small 
brick tenements that were formerly used as dwellings by the 
operators of the factory. Here we staid nearly four months 
through the heat of the season. Our rations consisted of 
poor bread and four ounces of bacon to a man, which could 
only be kept from moving by putting a stone on it to keep 
it down ; as the worms claimed it and we were obliged to 
resort to various expedients to keep them from it. We also 
received a little salt and a little soap, and occasionally a few 
black beans. We had the privilege of buying anything 
outside that we were able to pay for ; and here let me say that 
the officers who had money were in every instance willing 
to divide with their comrades, and no one went hungry for the 
45 



354 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

want of money when there was any in the mess. I am partic- 
ularly indebted to Captain Drake, of a New York regiment, 
for money he loaned me while in prison, as I had only twenty- 
one dollars when taken there. That amount, with fifteen 
dollars borrowed of the Captain, supported me nearly four 
months. I was sick nearly all the time while there with 
a chronic diarrhoea, and I believe all that saved my life was 
blackberries. Medicine was out of the question. One sur- 
geon had a little opium which he had obtained somehow, and 
occasionally gave me a dose which relieved me for the time 
being. We v/ere not without our amusements even here, for 
we could play euchre and cribbage, and we formed a base- 
ball club, and got to be quite proficient, so much so that we 
talked of challenging other parties to play with us. But 
they must have come to our grounds as we were so full of 
business we could not leave on any considerations. 

We were in great anxiety to hear from the army but were 
denied the privelege of reading newspapers. We occasionally 
eluded the vigilance of our guards and obtained the Richmond 
Examiner, through the subtilty and 'kindness' of a colored in- 
dividual, for the moderate sum of four dollars per number. 
On the 4th of July we had a celebration that I think will com- 
pare favorably with the generality of such gatherings ; but 
we were in want of the stimulants and consequently kept 
sober. We had the reading of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, Washington's Farewell Address and some odes by the 
officers ; then a greased pig performance, sack foot races, 
&c., &c. The rebel officers attended in a body but only as 
spectators. 

In the center of our yard was a pen built for citizen 
prisoners who were debarred of all the little privileges we 
enjoyed. They suflFcred accordingly. I saw as many as 
six corpes taken from that jail in one day, out of a number 
of about one hundred and fifty. Those prisoners as a mat- 
ter of course resorted to various expedients to effect their 
escape. One night it was rumored in camp that they had 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 355 

arranged a plan to leave in the night, and we all watched to 
see the fun, and fun it was. About ten o'clock P. M. it 
commenced raining and was very dark ; a better night could 
not be wished for such a raid as they intended to make. 
As we listened intently, we heard a crash and presently heard 
the tramping of feet close to our quarters. "We knew they 
had broken through the inner enclosure and were making for 
the outer fence. In less than a minute we heard the chal- 
lenge of the guard, a discharge of his gun, and a screeching 
of a man, and knew the shot had taking effect. Unfortun- 
ately for the rebels the shot missed the one it was intended 
for and went into the hip of a rebel Lieutenant sleeping in 
his tent at the lower end of the yard. The long roll was 
sounded, the soldiers run to their arms, got into line double- 
quick and started for the upper end of the yard where they 
usually formed. In passing up to the rendezvous, it being 
intensely dark, the Orderly, a man weighing at least two 
hundred and forty pounds, missed the beaten track and in- 
stead of keeping the path, unfortunately for him, run into the 
privy vault of the camp, at least four feet deep and six wide, 
and before the column could halt two more fell in on top of 
him. Before they could be rescued the Orderly had nearly 
suffocated. They were a pretty looking trio when got out. 
It caused a great laugh in our quarters the next morning when 
we heard of it ; and the rebels had as much fun over it as 
we. The prisoners, in the meantime, effected their escape, 
and I think got away, for we never saw them again and never 
heard of their being captured. 

" We lost one officer while there, a Lieutenant of a Wis- 
consin regiment. We petitioned the Colonel commanding to 
let some of us follow him to the grave, but were refused. 
The ' dead cart' was backed up to the gate, the coffin put in 
a Mr. BarTcey seated himself on the coffin, the whip cracked 
the gates closed and that was the last we saw of our comrade. 

" Rumors were afloat that there was to be an exchange of 
prisoners and we were, of course, greatly delighted ; but days 



356 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

and weeks passed and stilled no order came for our removal 
and we began to get discouraged, when, one morning an order 
came for our immediate removal to Richmond for the purpose 
of exchange. If ever there was great rejoicing it was in 
our camp that night. I don't think any one slept much. 
The next morning we bid adieu to Salisbury. On our way 
to Richmond we were as usual packed into the meanest cars 
that could be found, but we did not grumble for we were going 
*home.' We were two days going to Richmond, arriving 
just at night and were marched to Belle Island to pass the 
night. At this time the nights were quite cold, and as we 
had humanely left all our blankets and spare clothing to the 
citizen prisoners at Salisbury, we suffered much on that damp 
island. In the morning I met with Peter C. Simmons and 
Barney Carlin of St. Charles, the former one of my old 
friends and neighbors, a private of Company A. I found 
him in tolerably good health, but in a wretched condition in 
regard to wearing apparel. He had on an old chip hat, 
an apology for a pair of pants and a linen duster buttoned up 
to the chin, for the purpose as I supposed to conceal from us 
that he had no shirt. I could do nothing for him as I had 
no money and my clothing was about as bad as his — consist- 
ing of an old slouch hat, one woolen shirt, one pair of soldiers- 
pants, badly worn, part of a vest, but no coat, and a pair of 
stoga boots. I conversed with him for nearly an hour and 
learned that he was taken prisoner on the Peninsula. We 
then crossed the river to Richmond and marched to Libby 
prison. There was a murmur from every one when we found 
we were going to that place, and we began to fear that the 
report of an exchange would prove to be a canard. After 
staying there three days the joyful news reached us, that on 
the morrow we must be prepared to leave for Aiken's Land- 
ing to meet the flag-of-truce boat. In the morning we started 
in hacks hired for the purpose at the rate of five dollars per 
man, and arrived at the landing long before noon. We had 
not gone three miles from the city before we met any quantity 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 357 

of troops going north ; and we were at a loss to know what 
it meant, for we supposed they were watching McClellan at 
Harrison's Landing. After getting to our destination 
we began to look for the boat, but it had not yet arrived. 
We then concluded to go into camp and make our beds in 
a straw pile ; and we were comfortably quartered 
and ready for sleep when the steamer hove in sight with the 
white flag flying. Not a sound escaped our lips until all 
were duly labeled and handed over to the proper officer, and 
the boat floated from shore. Then such a shout went forth 
as only 160 men can give when they feel that they are 
free again. In the morning we put down the stream intending to 
stop at Harrison's Landing and see the army, but when we ar- 
rived there not a man was to be seen. The camps were broken 
up and gone. We knew then what was up. The rebels, in- 
stead of following McClellan, were taking the back track 
and going for Pope. We arrived at Fortress Monroe and 
found at least one thousand sailing craft in readiness to take 
McClellan's army to Washington. We took a steamboat for 
Baltimore and went from there by rail directly to Washing- 
ton. There I took my first ' white meal ' at the Metropolitan 
with the gentry, who looked upon me with contempt for not 
being dressed up. I did not wonder at it for a more forlorn 
looking being never went to a table in the great city. We were 
mustered at the War Department and took a leave of absence 
for twenty days. I arrived at home after fourteen months 
absence and found my family in good health, but greatly con- 
cerned about me, not having heard from me since my capture. 
I rejoined my regiment at Sharpsburg after McClellan had 
driven Lee and his army across the Potomac. I acted as 
commissary of the regiment during the remainder of the war. 

B. L. Chamberlain." 



LIST OF CASUALTIES. 

The following is a partial list of the losses of the Eighth 
Illinois Cavalry, from the casualties of war, disease, &c. Of 
the many who died in the general hospitals, and in rebel pris- 
ons, from wounds and disease, but few are mentioned in this 
list : 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Major Alpheus Clark, mortally wounded in the battle of Beverly Ford, 
Virc;inia. 

Major William H. Medill, mortally wounded in the battle of Williams- 
port, Md. 

Lieut. Col. Wm. E. Gamble, wounded at Malvern Hill, Va. 

COMPANY A. 

Blanchard Lieut. N. L., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Boonville Joseph, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Conly Michael, died of disease. 

Downey Michael, died of disease. 

Davidson A., died of wounds. 

Evans Stephen, died of disease. 

Gage Amos, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Haskins H. P., died of disease. 

Jenks C. C, died of disease. 

King Andrew, died of disease. 

Martin Thomas, died of disease. ...-^ 

McGonnel Samuel, killed in battle, Philamount, Va. 

Ortway Lafayette, died in Andersonville prison, July 28, 1864. 

Plopper Corporal Charles, died of wounds. 

Town Hansen, killed in battle. 

Wanzer Charles, died of disease. 

Woodruff F., died of disease. 

Younglove George, died of disease. 

WOUNDED. 

Burges L, S., at Boonsboro, Md. 
Brown P. G., by Guerrillas in Va. 
Casper Peter, at Upperville, Va. 
Cossman N., at Upperville, Va. 
Davidson A., by Guerrillas in Va. 
Davidson Daniel, at Boonsboro, Md. 
Fuller Webster, on the Peninsula, Va. 
Fillmore Sergeant L., at Williamsport, Md. ■ 



360 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Forsythc Captain George A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Hall Elijah, at King George, Va. 

Galligher Sergeant J. M., in skirmish in Va. 

Morrow N., in skirmish in Va. 

Peterson Samuel, at King George, Va. 

Roberts Wirt, at Stevensburg, Va. 

Ryan Sergeant John., at Gaines' Mills, Va. 

COMPANY B. 

Allen Abner, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Banister Charles F., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Buck Ellis, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Chambers Amos B., killed at Mechanicsville, Va. 

Close Robert, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Disbrow Edward, died of disease, Fairfax, Va. 

Farrel Edward, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Gillette Robert M., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Haskins Elmer, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Hyland George G., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Iiigalls Charles, died of disease in transit to N. Y. 

McGregor George, killed at Urbana, Md. 

Mace William, killed at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

O'Conner D., killed at Cockeyeville, Md. 

Reed Joseph J., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Smith Captain J. G., mortally wounded at Beverly Ford, Va. ; died in 

Washington, D. C 
Weaver Isaac, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

■WOUNDED. 

Braker Burnett, Mechanicsville, Va. 

Burdick E. H., Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

Boone S. S., Madison Court House, Va. 

Bell George, Upperville, Va. 

Fleet Charles, Middletown, Md. 

Fancher Martin, Barbee's Cross-roads and Jack's Shop, Va. 

Frasier Thomas, Barbee's Cross-roads and Jack's Shop, Va. 

Hakes Sergeant Harrison, Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

Hyland George G., Gettysburg, Penu., and Jack's Shop, Va. 

Mayclain James, Culpepper, Va. 

Partlow C, Va. 

Roach John, Rectortown, Va. 

Remington Sergeant J., Frederick City, Md. 

Shurtlitf William, Beverly Ford, Va. 

Van Amburg M., Frederick City, Md. 

Williams J. B., Upperville, Va. 

Wright Sergeant E. B., Stevensburg, Va. 

Wilicox Daniel B., Boonsboro, Md. 

COMPANY C. 

Brown Charles, killed at Piedmont, Va. 

Canfield Jerry, died of disease. 

Conrad Adam, died of wounds. 

Davis N. J., died of disease. 

Duggan John, killed at Malvern Hill, Va. 

Edgely George, died of disease. 

Gilbert Lieutenant Charles, killed at Frederick City, Md. 

Heaton W., died of disease. 

Martin Austin, died of disease. 

Pratt W. D., died ofwounds. . 



•:^ii^iW^ 



THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 361 

Patten John, died of disease. 

lieed James, killed at Piedmont, Va. 

Shelby A. H., died of disease. 

Sholes R. C, died of disease in Alexandria^ Va. 

Hands Ezra, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 

Wilson John E., died of disease. 

Zimmerman AVilliam, died of disease. 

Ellis Buck, died of disease, AVasliiugton, D. C. 

WOUNDED. 

Allen William, Funkstovvn, Md. 

Adams M. N., Malvern Hill, Va. 

Buckley E. II., Funkstown, Md. 

Conrad Adam, Upperville, Va. 

Cargy John, Falling Water, Md. 

Chasey Peter, in skirmish. 

Hesse O. G-., Beverly Ford, Va. 

Henshaw 0- II) Middletown, Md. 

Jones C. II., in skirmish. 

Lincoln D. A., in skirmish. 

Miller H. H., Beverly Ford and White S.ind, Va. 

McCarty James, Beverly Ford, Va. 

McKenzie G. W., three times in skirmish and at IStevensbuni-, Va. 

Pratt W. D., Stevensburg, Va. 

Rhodes F. C., in skirmish. 

Stewart J., Stevensburg, Va. 

Stokes George, Culpepper, Va. 

Slining John, Culpepper, Va. 

Sherwood Ira, Falling Water, Md. 

Wilder T. J., Stevensburg, Va. 

Woodrulf G. W., Beverly Ford, Va. 

COMPANY D. 

Coe C. H., died of disease in general hospital, Va. 
Dusold John G., killed at Funkstown, Md. 
Ehle John H., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Gilg Conrad, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Hattendorf Phillip, killed at Fair Oaks, Va. 
Hiller John L., killed at Benton Barracks, Mo. 
Muzzy E. O., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Rehling Herman, died of disease, Washington, D. C 
Sharp John P., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Sedgwick E. P., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Segers Henry, killed at Culpepper, Va. 
Seabury John, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 
Volker John, died of disease, Washington. D. C 
Webber B. F., killed near Boonsboro, Md. 
Zooch Fred, accidentally killed. 
Gearhart Livingstone E., died a prisoner. 

WOUNDED. 

Chessman George, by Guerrillas. 
Dunning Andrew, at Madison C. H., Va. 
Eggleston S. G., at South Mountain, Md. 
Farr Sergeant A. W., at Williamsport, Md. 
Hughes Elhanan, at Madison C. H., Va. 
Martin Lieutenant S. D., by Guerrillas in Va. 
Nash DeWitt, at Stevensburg, Va. 
Brandt Auten, at Hazle River, Va. 
46 



362 THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

COMPANY E. 

Brown John S., killed ni Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

Campbell John, died of disease, Washin^^on, D. C. 

Flagg Sewell, killed at Brent sville, Va. 

Farrar I. W., killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Geweeke Fred, died ofdisea.se, Washington, D. C 

Mills George A., died of disease. 

McNorth George S., killed in battle, Washinglou, D. C. 

Pierson George, killed at Funkstovvn, ]\Id. 

I'atton Henry C, died in Danville (N. C.) pri.son. 

Kingman George, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 

Snyder Daniel, killed at South Mountain, ]\Id. 

Sly'er Charles, died of wounds received at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Sellick Charles, died of wounds received at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Ncir Joseph, killed at Monocacy, Md. 

Tobias William J., died of disease. 

Ward Charles H., died of wounds. 

WOUNDED. 

Kelley Captain E. S., at Boonsboro, Md. 

Buck Captain Daniel, at Stevensburg, Va. 

Churchill H., at Boonsboro, 3rd. 

Davis Samuel, at Culpepper, Va. 

Frank Benjamin, at Morton's Ford, Va. 

Flagg Sewell, at Boonsboro, Md. 

Gro.ss Daniel N., at Malvern Hill, Va. 

Horner Sergeant Ben., at Barbee's Cro.ss-road.s, Va. 

Jewell S. W., at Boonsboro, Md. 

Jones Wdliam, at Boonsboro, Md. 

McConnel J. 11., at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

Plant Charles, at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

liingwood George, at Mechanicsville, Va. 

Sager George A., at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

Scheuster F. B., at Upperville, Va. 

Whittaker George A., near Morton's Ford, Va, 

COMPANY F. 

Butler Sergeant A. S., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Baker George A., died of disease. White House, Va. 

Bailey A. 11., died of wounds received at Willianisporl, Md. 

Cave Robert, died of wounds received at Culpepper, Va. 

Cole John W., died of wounds received at Falling Water, Md. 

Cook B. II., died of disease. 

C'ark A. F., died of disease. 

Clough G. R., died of disea.^e. 

Howes George C, died of disease. 

Hewes Orlan, died at Andersonville (Ga.) pris(>n. 

Kennicott W. J., died of wounds received at Falling Water, Md. 

Quackenbush A., died of disease. 

Smith W. E., killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Shepherd William H., killed at Manassas, Va. 

Stine William N., died of disease. 

Thatcher William H., killed near Culpepper, Va. 

Morris B. C, died of disease. 

AVheeler A. H., died of di-sease. 

Wilder O. A., died of disease. 

WOUNDED. 

Brown Q, A., at Upperville, Va, 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 363 

Bump D. R., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
Bowes George, at Middletown, Mii. 
Dubridge Samuel, in skirmish. 
Hughes G. B., at Gett^'sburg, Penii. 
Lull F. R., near Richmond, Va. 
Pickett E. J., at Upperville, Va. 

COMPANY o. 
Baker W. S., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Bradford E. A., died of disease, St. Charles, III. 
Carter J. G., killed at Williamsport, JMd. 
Coquillette Isaac, died of •wounds. 
(yOttingham Thomas, died of wounds. 
Coppersmith Anthony, died of wound.^. 
Clark Silas, died of disease. 
Clute Thomas, killed at Wilderness, Va. 
Comegess B. F., died of disease. 
Diffenbaugh D., killed at Gettysburg, Penn. 
Emmett T. H., died of disease, Alexiuidria, Va. 
Fink Eli, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Hitchcock W. II., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Knapp Andrew, died of disease, Seneca, 111. 
McManus James, died of disease, Fairfax, Va. 
Nichols B. F., died of disease. New York. 
Stowell Harvey, died. 

Woolang George, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
Young William, died of wounds. 

WOUNDED. 

Annis Judson, at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Barefoot James, at Boonsboro, Md. 

Crawford Jesse, at Stevensburg, Vii. 

Champion Fred, at Antietam, JVId. 

Doviel Joseph, at Upperville, Va. 

Fitch L. A., at Hazle River, Va. 

Ilynes Captain D. J., at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Justey L. P., in reconnoissance. 

Ketcliison C, in skirmish. 

Knapp John, at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Lillie Gilbert, at Rectortown, Va. 

Luther James, at Upperville, Va. 

Lae J. W., at Beverly Ford, Va. 

O'Brien James, at Beverly Ford, Va, 

Pray L. C, at Brandy Station, Va. 

Sherman P., at Upperville, Va. 

Sherman George P., at Hazle River, Va. 

Spears James, at Upperville, Va. 

Stull M. C, at Upperville, Va., and Boonsboro, Md. 

Wakefield F. B., at Middletown, Md., and Beverly Ford, Va. 

Weston L., at Culpepper, Va. 

COMPANY n. 

Burr Davis, died of disease, general hospital, New York. 
Bronson C. M., died of wounds. 
Clemens David F., died of disease, Alexan^lria, Va. 
Disbro Edward, died of disease, Alexanilria, Va. 
Dilcox William, died of disease. Alexandria, Va. 
Hooker Captain R. M., killed near Mechanicsville, Va. 
Gates E. W., died of disease. 



304 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Nicholl William, died of disease. 

Pierce William B., died in prison, Andersonville, Ga. 

Uolhermell J. J., died of disease. 

Rorer Clinton D., died of disease. 

Smith L. A., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Stafford A. A., died of disease, Alexandria, Ya. 

Smith A. C, killed at Upperville, Va. 

Spra!?ue W. L., died in prison, Andersonville, Gn. 

Van Wert Abram, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

WOUNDED. 

DeLaney Captain J. W., at JNIonocacy, Md. 

Austin W. H., at Middletown, Md. 

Alberty Chauncy, at Boonsboro, Md. 

Brooks Lieutenant J. N., at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Brott Silvanus, on picket. 

C'lemens Julius, at Boonsboro, Md., and (Hilpeppcr, ^ a. 

Disbro J. E., at Upperville, Va. 

Goodspeed Sergeant Charles, at Gettysburg, Penn, 

Johnson A., at Boonsboro, Md. 

Seaman E. W., iu skirmish. 

Stevens ;N[artin, at Boonsboro, IVId. 

Sullivan Charles, at Culpepper, Va. 

Fink Lewis, in battle. 

Sutton George, at Boonsboro, Md. 

Smith F. B., at Boonsboro, Md. 

Teeple A. V., at Boonsboro, Md. 

COMPANY I. 

Bell James A., died of wounds received at Jack's Shop, Va. 

Cronk Eugene, died in rebel hospital. 

Erkison John, accidentally killed. 

Fox Charles, died of disease. 

Foulke Marc, died iu rebel hospital. 

Howe George, died of disease. 

Johnson J. W., died of disease. 

Robb Williani D., died of disease. 

Kodgers D. M., died of disease. 

Shehe John, killed on railroad. 

Ross Albert, died of disease, St. Charles, 111. 

WOUNDED. 

Brown Thomas, at Gaines' Mill, Va. 

Cummings W., near Madison Court House, Va. 

Chase L., near Madison Court House, Va. 

Carver L. A., near Middletown, Md. 

Clni'-e A. W., near Snickers' Gap, Va. 

Humphrey R. C, at Monocacy, Md., and IMadison Court House, Va. 

Howard Lieutenant A. W., at Boonsboro, Md. 

Fulsom L. W., at Middletown, Md. 

Pfifer Joseph, at Middletown, Mti. 

Williams J. M., at Hazle River, Va. 

AVilson Thomas, at Monocacy, Md. 

Wells Captain A. L., at Falling Water, jVId. 

COMPANY K. 

Baker J. R. (bugler), killed at Frederick City, JId. 
liruso John, dieil of disease. 
Bond Cuarles, died of di.sease. 



THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 8b5 

De Forest William, died of diseaso. 

Farley Peter, killed by lall from his horse. 

Frank Fred, killed on a scout. 

George Daniel, died of disease. 

Greenville Charles, killed in battle. 

Hubbard L. S., died of disease. 

Hall J. M., killed in battle. 

Pierce E. F., died of disease. 

Stem W. A., died of disease. 

Suydam Cornelius, died of disease. 

Vinson Sergeant R. C, killed at Falling "Water, Md. 

Weld Hiram H., died of disease. 

WOUNDED. 

Fenton O., at Boonsboro, Md. 
Fleming G. H., at Culpepper, Va. 
Gould George, near Hanover Court House, Va. 
Hupp George, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
Hettinger .Jolm, at White Sand, Va. 
IngersoU H. J., at Culpepper, Va. 
Kinley Captain J. A., at Urbana, Md. 
Sullivan Captain D., at Williamsport, ]V[d. 
Wesson S. D., at Culpepper, Va. 

C05IPANT L. 

Briggs K. J., died of disease, Fairfex, Va. 

Bump Albert, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 

Blanchard E. J., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 

Burzell A. H., Sergeant, drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of 

steamer Olive. 
Rundell Lieutenant A. W., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of 

steamer Olive. 
Keyser W. W., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
Wilson J. L., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
Green H. H., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
Bettys Philip, killed at Culpepper, Va. 
Carr Jay A., killed at White Plains, Va. 
Colby Clark, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
Evans James, killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 
Fish Robert, died of disease. 
Horton S. R., killetl at Hazle River, Va. 
Howard L. .J., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
Moss Sergeant O. J., killed at JNIalvern Hill, Va. 
Noonan John, killed at Stevensburg, Va. 
McGuire .John, killed at Readtown, Va. 
Perkins D. B., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
Phillips Joseph, died of disease, Anna]iolis, Md. 
Sessions Sergeant S., killed at White House, Va. 

WOUNDED. 

Archer George, at White Plains, Va. 

Aikin H., at Stevensburg and Beverly Ford, Va. 

Bartling Fred, at White Plains, Va. 

Bradley Captain C L., at Hazle River, Va. 

Burke Luke, at Stevensburg, Va. 

Butler S. L., at Beverly Ford, Va. 

Daggett E. E., on reconnoissanee. 

Dodge S. S., at Mechanicsville, Va. 

Ewing James (bugler), at Hazle River, Va. 



3G6 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

(JrLswold G. W., at Upporville, Va. 

Gungzolas Chauncy, at Stevensburg, Va. 

Jordan J., at Madison Court House, Va. 

Lee Lieutenant B. F., at Upperville, Va., and Wasliingtou, D. C. 

McKinny A., at White Plains, Va. 

ilcllea Pliilip, at Stevensburg, Va. 

Parks Oscar, at Middletown, jMd. 

Richardson J. E., at Malvern Hill and Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 

liodgers S. H., at Malvern Hill, Va. 

.Sheklon William, at White Plains, Va. 

Stevens Lieutenant J A., at Hazle River, Va. 

Sniveley William, at Beverly Pord, Va. 

Tliompson William, at Mechanicsville, Va. 

Waitc Captain J. M., at Madison Court House, Va. 

Walden J. H., at Upperville, Va. 

Welden A. W., in skirmish. 

COMPANY M. 

Burdick Henry, killed at Manassas, Va. 

Barnes Horace, died of disease. 

Blair John G., died of disease. 

Easterly H., killed at Manassas, Va. 

Hogie E., died in Libby Prison, Va. 

Kennedy A., died of disease. 

ILullarky Charles, killed at Manassas, Va. 

Makepeace N., died of disease. 

Morris Captain J., killed at Monocacy, Va. 

ilcArthur Sergeant Robert, killed at Boonsboro, ^Id. 

Preston Charles W., died in i)ri.son, Andersonville, Ga. 

Slund Fred, committed suiciilc. 

Seaton W.; died of disease. 

Rice L. A., died of disease. 

WOUNDED. 

Bryan William, at Frederick City, Md. 
Churchill A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
Denison U. H., at Middletown, Md. 
Finley Logan, at Malvern Hill, Va. 
Gilford D. A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
John Kimber L., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
^[iller George, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
Overacker W. D., at Frederick City, Md. 
Smith William, at Frederick City, Md. 
Stecnkic William, at Frederick City, Md. 
Sargent Captain .John, at Ila/le River, Va. 
Swan Lyman, at Boonsboro, Md. 
Todlemirc W., at Frederick City, Md. 
Williams John, at Gettysburg, Penn. 
Woods E. S., at South Mountain, Md. 
Yalding IL, at Beverly Ford, Va. 



Noil Commissioned Staff, 

Giving Name, Hank, ivhcn Enrolled, wliere Enrolled, and 
lUmarks. 



Frank Calkins, Sergcant-Major, August 30, 18G1, St. Charles, 111., trans- 
ferred to Co. L, July 1, 18(52. 
John C. KctchisoB, Sergeant-Major, January 1, 18C4, Culpejipcr, Va. 
George E. Corwin, Vet. Surgeon, August 4, 18(52, Batavia, III. 
Johu R. Manville, Q. M. Sergeant, January 1, 1864, Culpepper, Va. 
James A. Soules, Com. Sergeant, " " " 

G. A. Bartholomew, Bugler Serg't, " " " 

W. D. Ilazlet, Saddler Sergeant, " " " 

Ceylon A. Fasset, hospital Steward, November 30, 1863, Ely's Ford, Va. 
Gideon Von Bachelle, hospital Steward, January 29, 1864, Chicago, 111. 

Discharged hy txjnnition of Term of Service. 
Andrew J. Willing, hospital Steward, September 18, 1861, St. Charles, 

111., discharged September 28, 1864, at Chicago, 111. 
Discharged for DisaUUty. 
George J. Johnson, Com. Sergeant, September 12, 1861, Blackberry, 111., 

diseharffed at Camp Illinois, D. C. 
Gcorjre A. Nichols, hospital Steward, September 12, 1861, St. Charles, 

111., discharged March 9, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. 
Benjamin Plummer, Com. Sergeant, September 8, 1861, Chicago, III., 

discharged September 22, 1862, at Sharpsburg, Md. 
John G. Chambei's, Com. Sergeant, September 14, 1861, Franklin Grove, 

111., discharged April 10, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. 
I'ransferred. 
C. C. Crawford, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 27, 1861, Sj^camore, 111., 

transferred to company. 
Hiram DeWitt, Bugler Sergeant, November 30, 1863, Culpepper, Va., 

transferred to Company B, January 11, 1865. 
C. A. Bishop, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, August 27, 1861, Sycamore, 111., 

transferred to Company B, August 1, 1862. 
John Ilyan, Color Sergeant, September 12, 1861, St. Charles, 111., trans- 

lerred to Company A, as Sergeant. 
S. A.| Turkington, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, August 27, 1861, Sycamore, 

III., transferred to company, December 4, 1861. 
Discharged by Order. 
Mark H. Bisby, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, September 18, 1861, St. Charles* 

111., by order, promoted to Bat. Q. M, 
Robert S. Brown, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, September 7, '61, Woodstock, III., 

by order. 



368 THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

J. AV. Ik'inis, Bat. t^ergcant-Major, by order War Department, October 

14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
P"'rank Clendoimin, 1st Chief Bugler, August 18, '(31, Oregon City, III., 

l.)y order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, JId. 
Oeorge II. Gamble, Bat. Sergeant-Major, August 25, '01, Chicago, 111., 

by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, ]\Id. 
Thomas Grimley, Bat. Q. ]\I. Sergeant, September 12, "01, Huntley, 111., 

by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
Robert W. Gates, Bat. Q. M. SergeanS August 28, '01, Bloomingdale, II'., 

by order, September 1, '02, Sharpsburg, IVId., to receive prom<)tion. 
Hardy II. Helper, Bat. Sergeant-Major, September 14, '01, Macomb, 11!.. 

by order, to receive promotion. 
H. V. F. IIuls, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, August 30, '01, St. Charles, 111., by 

order, S. O. o2. Army of Potomac, September 1, '02. 
J. B. Hull, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 18, '01, St. Charles, HI., by 

order, appointed Bat. Q. M. 
George Hyde, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 17, '01, Evanston, 111., by 

order War Department, September 10, '02, Barnesville, Md. 
David .1. Hunt, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 10, '01, Sandwich, HI., by 

order War Department, October 10, '02, Knoxville, ]\[d. 
Pliilo P. Judson, Reg't Com. Sergeant, August 1:5, '()2, Cliicago, HI., by 

order War I)e]>artment, October 10, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
Lucius S. Kemp, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, Seplember 28, '01, by order, S. O. 

208 C. S., Headquarters C. C, Nov. 11), '03. 
Charles Kimble, ho>pital Steward, by order War Department, October 

10, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
Henry Lind, 2d Chief Bugler, September 5, '01, Milton, III, by order 

War Department, October 10, '02, Knoxville, i\Id. 
.John V. Morri.s, Bat. Sergeant-]Major, October 18, '01, Washington, D. 

C, by order War Department, October Ki, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
Walter S. Robertson, lleg't Sergeant-]\Iajor, January 1, '04, Culpepper, 

Va., by order promoted Bat. Adjutant. 
Samuel W. Smith, Reg't Sergeant-Major, September 10, '01, Naperville, 

HI., by order S. O. 152, W. D., A." G. O., to take eflect April, 4, '04. 
Robert Sill, hospital Steward, September 18, '01, St. Charles, 111., by 

order S. O. 294, Headquarters C. C, November 1, '0:1 
Theodore W. Stull, hospital Steward, September 18,' 01, Marengo, ^11., 

by order promoted to Assistant Surgeon, Harrison's Landing, Va., 

July 1, '02. 
Earl D. Tliomas, Reg't Sergeant-Major, January 1, '04, Culpepper, Va., 

by order S. O. 175, W.^D., A. G. O., dated April 18, '05. 
Richard Van Vlack, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, August 25, '01, St. Charles, 

111., by order promoted to 2d Lieutenant Company A. 
A. A. West, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September 12, '01, Marengo, 111., by 

order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
(Jhailes W. Wright, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 7, '01, Woodstock, 

111., by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, ]Md. 
W. W. Wilson, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September 5, '01, JMilton, HI., by 

order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, j\Id. 
George R. Wells, hosi)ital Steward, January 1, '04, Culpepper, Va., by 

order promoted to 2d Lieutenant Company K, May 20, '05. 
E. M. Rayworth, Bat. Sergeant-Major, March 14, '63, Chicago, 111., bj' 

ordei\ 
Gus. A. Stanley, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 7, '61, Newark, 111., by 

order. 

Desei'ted. 
Philo Howe, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September l'^, '61, Chicago, III., Al- 
exandria, Va., February, '63. « 



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